It’s difficult to suggest this film, but it’s undeniable a well-made piece. The topic of paedophilia isn't something that will draw crowds to cinemas. That’s just how things are, and it understandably causes horror and revulsion in reasonable people. However, avoiding the issue is not the answer; thankfully, some filmmakers are willing to confront difficult subjects and create movies that challenge and stimulate thought. Austrian filmmaker Markus Schleinzer has made one such film, which demonstrates considerable bravery for a first feature. The story focuses on the connection between a middle-aged man, portrayed by Michael Fuith, and the young boy he keeps hidden in a basement room at his house; David Rauchenberger plays the child. The boy isn’t held captive in a dark, damp space, but rather, Michael believes he has provided him with a loving and supportive environment. He genuinely seems to care for the boy, watching television with him, preparing meals they share as if they were an ordinary couple. This everyday quality is what makes it so disturbing, especially when combined with how Michael appears to lead a normal life and work diligently each day; it’s deeply unsettling. Thankfully, and appropriately, depictions of sexual abuse are absent; no one wants to witness that. The horror lies in the implications or the events leading up to them, which force your imagination to fill in the gaps. There are long stretches of silence throughout the film, and dialogue is often brief and minimal, encouraging viewers to consider what’s happening inside Michael's mind. This is where Schleinzer's movie shines; he refrains from judgment or lecturing, instead presenting a situation that appears normal to those outside Michael's secret, and it’s this facade of normalcy that is so distressing. Monsters exist among us, that much is certain! But why are they so often overlooked? This is what Schleinzer subtly prompts us to consider through his film. A scene involving bunk beds has never felt as unsettling as it does here, and you might—like me—find it difficult to listen to Boney M again without your thoughts drifting elsewhere. It’s a demanding film, and rightly so, but it's skillfully made without resorting to exploitation and features strong performances from the two lead actors. Simply dismissing it as sick and disgusting is an oversimplification; the filmmakers deserve more recognition than that. The movie is thoughtful and evenhanded, doing a good job of eliciting reactions from its audience. 8/10

Source on TMDB