Michael, a seemingly meek insurance agent, has a secret: he’s holding 10-year-old Wolfgang captive in a locked room in his basement. Chronicling a five month period, the film is a portrait of how seemingly mundane lives can hide the darkest secrets.
Venturing into the dangerous territory of Michael Haneke, this Cannes selection (and Viennale winner) polarized viewers with its deeply disturbing vision: a horror film whose target is the idea of home itself, with terrific performances and a plot as straight and sharp as the edge of a knife.