Next Door

Ein Thriller, der am Anfang originell, fesselnd und sexuell reizend ist. Später ist es ein halluzinogener Trip in den Kopf der Hauptfigur. Und zum Schluss ein nicht gerade originelles psychologisches Drama über den finnischen Norman Bates. Ein sehr gut gedrehter und gespielter Film. Seine Wendungen wollen das Publikum überraschen und schockieren. Das hat aber dazu geführt, dass der Abstand zwischen mir und dem Film größer geworden ist. (05.02.2009)

This Nordic horror thriller is a must-see if only for the utter whatthefuckery of the first half hour. The outcome is something we’ve seen lots of times, but it doesn’t matter, it’s still a very impressive, bold and perverted film that’s worth its 70 minutes. (03.06.2012)

Next Door is the case of a film that is incredibly impressive and pleasing to the audience, even though its budget probably wouldn't cover the fee of a single lower-category American star. This psychological horror manages with only six actors and takes place in the backdrop of a neglected apartment and the adjacent corridors of a shabby apartment building. It does not require any flashy and expensive special effects, and the director only needs a quality script and classic filmmaking techniques such as editing, flashbacks, and well-chosen music to create a feeling of tension. The unfriendly environment of a suburban apartment building and the interior of the apartment play a role in creating the atmosphere, evoking a sense of constraint and emptiness. The rooms are often dimly lit and at first glance, the absence of love and positive human emotions is visible. The film is a counterbalance to films like Secretary, which attempted to present sexual deviations with irony and humorous exaggeration, whereas Next Door explores the darker psychopathic side of sexual deviations. It is a short, 70-minute film, but it is packed with emotions and not a single minute is unnecessary. It's an unknown film gem that would probably be a box office hit with an American studio behind it and with adequate advertising. Overall impression: 90%. (26.12.2008)