"iHostage" (2025) – A Gripping Dutch Thriller That Holds You Captive
If you're a fan of high-stakes crime dramas that unfold in a single, tension-soaked location, Netflix’s latest Dutch thriller iHostage (2025) is a must-watch. Directed by Bobby Boermans and co-written by Boermans and Simon de Waal, this film takes inspiration from a chilling real-life incident that unfolded in Amsterdam in 2022. With its relentless pace, stellar performances, and a story rooted in reality, iHostage delivers an edge-of-your-seat experience that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. Clocking in at a taut runtime, the movie wastes no time plunging viewers into a nerve-wracking hostage crisis that feels scarily plausible in today’s world.
A True Story That Hits Close to Home
iHostage is based on a real event that took place on February 22, 2022, in Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein square. A 27-year-old armed man, later identified as Abdel Rahman Akkad, walked into an Apple Store, took a customer hostage, and demanded €200 million in cryptocurrency along with a safe exit. What followed was a nearly five-hour standoff that gripped the city and ended in a controversial police intervention—a vehicle running down the gunman. Boermans, who lives near the store and had just wrapped up filming Netflix’s thriller series The Golden Hour, was drawn to the surreal nature of the crisis. “A man, demanding 200 million in cryptocurrency, chose to take a hostage in broad daylight on one of the busiest squares in Amsterdam,” Boermans shared in an interview with TIME. This real-life drama forms the backbone of iHostage, a film that captures the intensity of that night while exploring the human elements at its core.
The film closely follows the timeline of the actual event, though it takes some dramatic liberties to heighten the tension. Boermans and de Waal made a conscious choice to focus solely on the night of the hostage situation, condensing time to keep the story tight and engaging. Most of the beats in the film are grounded in reality, from the gunman’s demands to the unconventional way the police resolved the crisis. This commitment to authenticity gives iHostage a raw, almost documentary-like feel at times, making the stakes feel all the more real.
A Claustrophobic Thriller with Universal Appeal
The film opens with Ilian (Admir Šehović), a man in Amsterdam for work, stepping into the Apple Store to buy AirPods. What starts as a mundane errand quickly spirals into chaos when a gunman (Soufiane Moussouli) storms in, brandishing a weapon and taking Ilian hostage. The gunman’s demands are clear: €200 million in cryptocurrency and a guaranteed escape. As the situation escalates, the film introduces multiple perspectives—those of the hostage-taker, his captive, and the police force working to end the standoff without bloodshed. These shifting viewpoints add depth to the narrative, keeping viewers engaged as the crisis unfolds.
What makes iHostage stand out in the crowded thriller genre is its setting. Much like classics such as Phone Booth or more recent films like Drop, the movie thrives on the claustrophobic tension of a single location. The Apple Store, with its sleek glass walls and modern design, becomes an ironic prison—a space that symbolizes innovation and connectivity, yet is transformed into a battleground for survival. Boermans uses the environment masterfully, turning the store’s open layout into a source of dread as the characters navigate its limited spaces under the constant threat of violence.
Stellar Performances and Subtle Character Depth
While iHostage doesn’t delve deeply into character arcs, the performances are strong enough to make you care about the people caught in this nightmare. Admir Šehović delivers a compelling portrayal of Ilian, a man whose ordinary day takes a terrifying turn. Šehović captures the quiet panic and resilience of someone thrust into an unthinkable situation, making Ilian a relatable everyman. Soufiane Moussouli, as the gunman, is equally gripping, balancing menace with a subtle undercurrent of desperation. Though the film doesn’t fully explore the gunman’s backstory, Moussouli’s performance hints at the personal turmoil driving his actions, adding a layer of complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional villain.
The supporting cast, including the police officers working to resolve the crisis, also shines. Their interactions reveal the high-stakes decision-making process, culminating in the controversial moment when a police vehicle is used to end the standoff—a decision that sparked intense debate in the Netherlands. Boermans doesn’t shy away from this real-world controversy, instead using it to highlight the moral gray areas of such situations.
Pacing and Tension That Don’t Let Up
One of iHostage’s greatest strengths is its pacing. From the moment the gunman enters the store, the film maintains a relentless momentum that keeps you glued to the screen. Boermans employs tight editing and a dynamic score to amplify the tension, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Even the quieter scenes, where Ilian and the gunman share fleeting moments of conversation, are charged with an undercurrent of dread—you’re constantly aware that the situation could explode at any second.
The film also benefits from its focus on subtle, human details. While the characters don’t undergo overt transformations, their personalities and motivations emerge through small, revealing moments. We learn just enough about Ilian and the gunman to understand what’s at stake for them personally, which makes the unfolding drama all the more affecting. These personal stories, though understated, add emotional weight to the high-octane plot.
A Few Missed Opportunities
That said, iHostage isn’t without its flaws. The film’s tight focus on the night of the crisis means there’s little room for deeper character development. While the performances are strong, some viewers might find themselves wanting more insight into the characters’ lives beyond the hostage situation. Additionally, the film glosses over the broader societal implications of the event, such as the underlying issues that may have driven the gunman to such extremes. Given that the real-life perpetrator, Abdel Rahman Akkad, was an Amsterdam resident with a criminal record, there was potential to explore these themes in greater depth.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Despite these minor shortcomings, iHostage is a gripping addition to Netflix’s lineup of international thrillers. It’s a film that thrives on its intensity, authenticity, and the universal fear of being caught in a dangerous situation beyond your control. Bobby Boermans has crafted a thriller that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the real-world events that inspired it. The stellar acting, nonstop pace, and claustrophobic setting make iHostage a standout, even if it doesn’t fully flesh out its characters or themes.
For anyone itching for a crime drama that keeps you on edge from start to finish, iHostage is the Netflix original for you. It’s a reminder of the power of real-life stories to captivate and unsettle, leaving you both exhilarated and haunted by the time the credits roll. Stream it now in English, Tamil, or Hindi, and prepare to be held hostage by its gripping narrative.
Rating: 8/10
Now streaming on Netflix.
Now streaming on Netflix.
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