The Dinner

This film is based on the novel of the same name by Hermann Koch.

I’ve completely lost track of how people rate films these days. I stumbled across this one by accident, was intrigued by the description — and then the ratings shocked me: 4.5, 4.9 and 46%. I immediately sensed someone was being overly dramatic, so I spent two hours of my life watching it so I can tell you: it’s actually not that bad.

Yes, the film is a bit drawn out, and cutting some scenes wouldn’t change the plot at all. One character’s mental illness is also never fully explored — I never managed to work out what condition he actually has.

But here’s what works:

Atmosphere: 90% of the film takes place in an upscale restaurant — a confined, enclosed space with dark tones that gives the feeling something is happening not only between this small group of people, but inside each of them.

Cast: Very well chosen. Laura Linney in particular is, as always, wonderful.

Concept: The film raises interesting and important questions about family, parenting and the relationships between family members — and about how far we’re willing to go for the people we love, and what sacrifices we’re prepared to make. The question of whether to let your child face the consequences of their actions — especially when those actions are serious — is a heavy and sensitive one. I firmly believe that people should face consequences for what they do, even in childhood and adolescence. Everyone needs to learn that there is no getting away with things, especially crimes. Financial or social status should never shield anyone from that.

Another important theme in this film, in my opinion, is the way we sometimes dehumanise certain groups of people — deciding who deserves to live and who doesn’t. And how, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, those thoughts can stop being just thoughts.

The open ending annoyed a lot of viewers, but I didn’t find it annoying at all — it felt fitting.

This film also reminded me a lot of Carnage. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it!