Watch Tonio

Tonio is a Dutch drama film from 2016, directed by Paula van der Oest, that portrays the grief and turmoil experienced by a couple after their son's sudden death. The movie is based on the best-selling memoir by A.F. Th. van der Heijden, who wrote it after his own son's tragic death in a car accident in 2010. The movie introduces us to Anna (Rifka Lodeizen) and Adri (Pierre Bokma), two loving parents whose world crumbles when their only son, Tonio (Minne Koole), is hit by a car and left for dead on a deserted street in Amsterdam. The movie then follows the couple's journey as they try to cope with the loss of their child and come to terms with the harsh reality that they will never see their son grow up, get married, or have children of his own.

What sets Tonio apart from other movies about grief is the way in which it tells its story. Instead of focusing on the tragedy and how it happened, the movie is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of the event. It follows Anna and Adri as they try to survive a world that no longer has their son, and it captures the raw emotions that come with such an intense loss.

One of the things that makes Tonio so powerful is the acting. Rifka Lodeizen and Pierre Bokma both deliver heart-wrenching performances as the grieving parents. Lodeizen's portrayal of Anna is particularly noteworthy, as she captures the inner turmoil and desperation that come from losing a child. Minne Koole, who plays Tonio, is also excellent, bringing a quiet and sensitive presence to the film, even though he is only in the movie for a short amount of time.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is its visual style. The director, Paula van der Oest, uses a combination of flashbacks, dream sequences, and other cinematic techniques to create a haunting and surreal atmosphere. The result is a film that feels almost otherworldly, perfectly capturing the sense of disorientation that Anna and Adri feel after the loss of their son.

However, while Tonio is a deeply affecting and powerful movie, it is not an easy watch. The film is emotionally intense, and it deals with some heavy subject matter, including death, grief, and the fragility of human life. Those who have experienced similar losses may find the movie particularly difficult to watch, as it is very true to life and doesn't shy away from the pain and sadness that come with such a tragic event.

Overall, Tonio is a brave and moving drama that offers a powerful glimpse into the aftermath of grief. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it affirms the enduring power of love and family, even in the darkest of times. If you are looking for a movie that will make you feel deeply and leave you with a lasting impression, then Tonio is definitely worth watching.

Tonio is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.