Watch The Preacher

The Preacher is a Dutch thriller from 2004, directed by Gerrard Verhage and starring Peter Paul Muller, Chantal Janzen, and Frank Lammers. The film is based on the best-selling novel by Dutch author Alex van Warmerdam. The story centers around a highly charismatic and respected preacher named Knievel, who leads a large religious community in a remote Dutch village. As the film opens, we witness Knievel using his powers of persuasion to defuse a tense situation between a group of locals and a group of Roma travelers. Knievel's soothing voice and calming presence make him an instant hero, something that leads him to be even more revered by his flock.

However, things take a sinister turn when three dead bodies are discovered in a car outside the village. The victims are all members of Knievel's community, and the gruesome crime shocks the village to its core. The police quickly zero in on Knievel as the prime suspect, but nobody among his followers will speak up in his defense. The authorities become convinced that Knievel is using his religious influence to silence anyone who would speak against him.

The Preacher is a complex and multi-layered movie that weaves together a number of different plot threads. On one hand, it's a gripping crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as the investigation unfolds. On the other hand, it's a provocative character study that explores the dark side of religious fanaticism and the way in which people can be manipulated by those in power.

One of the standout performances in the movie is Peter Paul Muller's turn as Knievel. Muller does an amazing job of conveying the immense charisma and charm that this character possesses, while also hinting at the darker, less scrupulous side lurking just beneath the surface. As the story progresses and Knievel's true nature is revealed, Muller expertly shifts gears and portrays the character in a much more sinister light.

Chantal Janzen also deserves mention for her standout performance as the determined police detective tasked with solving the case. Janzen brings a real sense of steeliness and resilience to her character, which makes her all the more impressive when she goes toe-to-toe with the intimidating Knievel.

The Preacher is also noteworthy for its sumptuous and beautifully shot cinematography. The picturesque Dutch countryside serves as a stunning backdrop to the film's darker themes, and the movie's many tense and atmospheric scenes are elevated by the impressive artistry on display.

As a whole, The Preacher is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that is driven by some excellent performances and impressive filmmaking. It's a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end, as it explores some deep and complex ideas about faith, power, and human nature. While it's certainly not a film for the faint of heart, The Preacher is definitely worth checking out for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller with a lot of substance.