The Quiet Ones: A Suspenseful Heist with Missed Opportunities

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In “The Quiet Ones,” director Frederik Louis Hviid presents a thrilling yet imperfect tale that deviates from typical heist movie tropes. Instead of exploding with action, this film simmers slowly like a pot on the stove. The plot is inspired by actual events that occurred in Denmark in 2008, where 25 men from various European countries joined forces to attempt the largest robbery the nation had ever witnessed. While some parts of this production have been embellished for dramatic effect, it’s hard not to be amazed by the incredible lengths these individuals went to orchestrate a complex and intricate heist.

This film missed a chance to delve deeper into its main characters, which made it somewhat leisurely but still impactful. With more backstory, it could have been even more captivating. Instead, the director and writer Anders Frithiof August left some gaps for viewers to fill in themselves, allowing them to form their own interpretations about the characters’ hidden desires. This approach might spark disagreements among viewers, but it never fails to keep interest high.

Anatomy of an Intricate Heist

In the movie titled “The Quiet Ones,” Gustav Giese (known for “Into the Darkness”), Reda Kateb, Amanda Collin, and Christopher Wagelin take on the roles. Giese portrays Kasper, a boxer who has yet to win a fight, with his stern coach reminding him, “You must prove your desire; this is your final opportunity. There’s no such thing as second place.” The looming fear that his own aspirations might never materialize eventually becomes Kasper’s downfall. Similar to many during that period, he grapples with financial difficulties, and although his marriage remains strong – they have a young child together – Kasper longs for a breakthrough opportunity.

Initially, he swiftly declines Slimani’s (Kateb) proposal for a complex heist, claiming he has other commitments – “I’ve got other things to do,” he states. However, following a lost boxing match, Kasper reconsiders his choices. This sets the stage for the intrigue. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into the mystery. The film then transitions from one European location to another as the team is formed and Slimani outlines the plan. With both intellect and physical prowess, Kasper becomes a pivotal figure in the operation.

People who enjoy movies like “Point Break,” “The Town,” and “The Usual Suspects” will find it intriguing to follow the meticulous planning of this heist, with the tension and suspense increasing as the gang approaches the final day. Unfortunately, the film missed a chance to delve deeper into the character of Maria, portrayed by Amanda Collin (known for “A Horrible Woman”). Initially, we meet Maria while she’s learning to become a security guard, mirroring Kasper’s predicament as crime and economic struggles escalated in Denmark.

In this scenario, it might have added some intrigue to demonstrate that both prominent characters, Kasper and Maria, are propelled by shared intentions and explain why they choose distinct paths. However, in the current narrative, Maria’s character appears somewhat extraneous to the main plot, even though the filmmaker endeavors to portray her as a pivotal figure.

Suspense and Thrills in the Second Half

Moreover, The Quiet Ones also excels in various aspects. It effectively builds tension and masterfully illustrates the significance behind this specific operation. Infiltrating a secure vault isn’t an effortless task, and the screenwriter skillfully guides us through each intricate detail of the process.

The movie reaches its peak when it reveals the moment the men carry out their strategy. Occasional mistakes keep the suspense level high. With the plot now deeply ingrained in him, Kasper is more than ready to claim his reward. Indeed, Kasper’s struggles in boxing hint at how he might act under pressure. It also provides some intense exchanges between Kasper and Slimani, who turns out to be the film’s most relentless character, if not downright menacing.

For those who enjoy intense encounters between law enforcement and criminal elements, here’s a film that doesn’t disappoint. The thrill of the action escalates when authorities intervene, and the high-speed pursuits that ensue are particularly captivating, even more so in heavy rain. These scenes are undeniably gripping and skillfully done. However, if you believe The Quiet Ones will conclude with these events, you’d be mistaken. Just as in reality, no arrests were made that night. The film concludes with an epilogue that aims to clarify some unresolved matters.

In a deliberately somber yet intriguing manner, the conclusion of “The Quiet Ones” leaves us questioning the true nature of its characters, delving into themes ranging from survival to greed. The suspenseful climax and action-packed final scenes are what make this film truly captivating. Moreover, Gustav Giese stands out as a promising new talent, potentially breaking into Hollywood’s mainstream with his leading role.

Currently playing in theaters and available on digital platforms (such as Apple TV), “The Quiet Ones,” distributed by Magnet Releasing, is not to be missed. Check out the trailer below.

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2025-02-22 05:32