Watch The Maus

The Maus is a tense and haunting psychological thriller from director Yayo Herrero, which tells the story of a young German couple, Alex (August Wittgenstein) and Selma (Alma Terzic), visiting Bosnia on their holidays. In an attempt to escape the political turmoil and war in their own country, they set out on a journey to explore the beauty of nature in the countryside. However, their road trip takes a sinister turn when they become lost and their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

As they wander the deserted roads in search of help, they come across a desolate village that seems to be abandoned. In their attempt to find shelter for the night, they become trapped in a maze of underground tunnels and abandoned, decrepit buildings. After encountering a group of locals who initially appear friendly, events take a dark turn as they become embroiled in a twisted game of psychological manipulation and terror.

The Maus is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty of the isolated countryside, with the contrasting colours of the natural landscape and the stark, decaying buildings adding to the tension and suspense of the story. The use of sound and silence effectively creates an eerie and foreboding atmosphere, making the viewer feel uneasy and paranoid throughout the film.

Wittgenstein and Terzic are superb in their portrayals of Alex and Selma, with their convincing chemistry capturing the raw emotions of their relationship as their situation becomes more perilous. Aleksandar Seksan is also impressive in his role as Vuko, the mysterious and enigmatic leader of the group of locals. His subtle performance adds depth to the character, making him a complex and intriguing figure.

The Maus is a character-driven film that explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the destructive power of revenge. The script, written by Spain's Sergio Martin and Herrero, utilises a number of clever and unexpected twists, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. It is a tense and gripping thriller that will leave you questioning what is real and what isn't.

The film also has a strong social commentary on the aftermath of war and the effects it has on the people who live through it. The different attitudes of the characters towards the war highlight how it affects people in complex and different ways, making it a nuanced exploration of the topic.

Although the film does not rely on excessive gore or jump scares, it is still a chilling and disturbing experience. The Maus manages to be both atmospheric and intense, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, The Maus is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that will appeal to both fans of horror and psychological thrillers. Its combination of striking visuals, tense atmosphere, and strong performances make it a must-see for anyone looking for a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience.

The Maus is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.