
Is Today Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)
When Kees (42) and his two children, Roos (12) and Willem (6), stop at a gas station for a quick toilet break, they all shortly separate and go their own way. In this short period of time, each of them witnesses something which makes them think about themselves. The young Willem accidently witnesses a couple making love in the bushes and doesn't know how to deal with this. Roos, a real 'tomboy', starts thinking about who she wants to be, after another girl confuses her for being a boy. Kees, a divorced man, thinks he has a flirt with a younger woman. When he finds out she wasn't flirting at all, he realizes that he has entered a new period of his life where he has to find his place. The three characters separately all experience a small tilt in their lives.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Today offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2015 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2015 release of Today stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When Kees (42) and his two children, Roos (12) and Willem (6), stop at a gas station for a quick toilet break, they all shortly separate and go their own way. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When Kees (42) and his two children, Roos (12) and Willem (6), stop at a gas station for a quick toilet break, they all shortly separate and go their own way. In this short period of time, each of them witnesses something which makes them think about themselves. The young Willem accidently witnesses a couple making love in the bushes and doesn't know how to deal with this. Roos, a real 'tomboy', starts thinking about who she wants to be, after another girl confuses her for being a boy. Kees, a divorced man, thinks he has a flirt with a younger woman. When he finds out she wasn't flirting at all, he realizes that he has entered a new period of his life where he has to find his place. The three characters separately all experience a small tilt in their lives."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Mick Kreijger provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Marit Weerheijm is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 13 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Today truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Today explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Marit Weerheijm respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Today is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mick Kreijger or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Today is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 0.2 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.