'Berlin Syndrome' was setting itself up to be something great, but it just couldn't quite deliver the knock-out punch. I love the idea for the story. It's creepy and a little too real (this kind of thing happens more than people realise). The characters were also well created. They were believable and charming in their own dark ways. Then there were two very fine acting performances by Teresa Palmer and Max Riemelt. So why didn't I enjoy this film as much as I should have?
The problem lies in the story development. There really isn't any. The film sets itself up and then just drifts along for the next two hours. Some films can get away with that but not when they run 20-30 minutes longer than they needed to. There was a lot that could have been left on the cutting room floor in this one. Then the ending came around and it was about as "meh" as you could possibly get. Very disappointing. Not a bad film, but if you're looking for something great, look elsewhere.
The problem lies in the story development. There really isn't any. The film sets itself up and then just drifts along for the next two hours. Some films can get away with that but not when they run 20-30 minutes longer than they needed to. There was a lot that could have been left on the cutting room floor in this one. Then the ending came around and it was about as "meh" as you could possibly get. Very disappointing. Not a bad film, but if you're looking for something great, look elsewhere.