Adapted from a novel by Tim Krabbe and directed by George Sluizer, Spoorloos (English title: The Vanishing) is one of the best available murder mystery/ thriller movies in the European film circle. Released in 1988, this movie has own more than 5 awards in various categories.

Spoorloos is a story of Rex Hofman (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia Wagter (Johanna Ter Steege), a young couple who are deeply in love with each other. While on their way on a holiday, the couple stops at a gas station to freshen up and Saskia mysteriously disappears from a nearby departmental store where she went for shopping. Rex searches for Saskia but in vain. Even the Police are clueless.

For the next three years, there is no trace of Saskia. In spite of giving the best effort, Rex fails to obtain any clue about Saskia. Suddenly Rex receives a postcard from an unknown guy called Raymond Lemorne (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu), who claims to be the abductor of Saskia in the letter. Raymond agrees to reveal the truth behind Saskia’s disappearance to Rex but on certain condition. Rex is ready to do anything in order to find the reason behind the disappearance of his lover, Saskia. But the truth revealed by Lemorne turns out to be more chilling than what Rex had actually expected.

Spoorloos has a very tight storyline and it will let you keep guessing till the end. With great direction, marvellous acting especially by Bernard-Pierre in the role of Raymond Lemorne and perfect editing, this European thriller is a highly recommended one. It does not move at a fast pace, but the mystery slowly unfolds. If you are an admirer of Hitchcock’s movies, then I am quite confident that you will immensely enjoy Spoorloos.

Watch the trailer of Spoorloos.

My Rating - 7.5/10

Learn more about the movie on IMDB.

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