Movie
Denis Moschitto in a strong thriller: “Shock”
Denis Moschitto celebrates his directorial debut with the thriller “Schock”. photo
© Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Dark, well-made thrillers from Germany don’t come along too often. “Schock” by and with Denis Moschitto is one such. Sometimes the film pushes the limits of what is bearable.
If you think about it Germany and crime dramas, most people will first think of television formats like “Tatort”. German thrillers are comparatively rarely seen in the cinema.
Now “Schock” is a film starting that looks great on the big screen. It is the joint directorial debut of Cologne actor Denis Moschitto with Daniel Rocket Siegel, Moschitto also plays the leading role. The two of them have managed to create an oppressive and consistently exciting story.
That’s what the film is about
Bruno (Moschitto) is a doctor but has lost his license. Now he treats patients who, for various reasons, cannot go to regular doctors: criminals or sex workers, for example. One day a lawyer (Anke Engelke) makes him a dangerous but financially tempting offer. He is supposed to treat a mafioso suffering from leukemia. To do this, he has to take risky, illegal routes to get the medication.
With his decision to take on the job, he finds himself caught between the fronts of organized crime. Although he tries to remain uninvolved, things spiral out of control.
Brutal scenes
Moschitto (46) plays outstandingly. For long stretches it is completely unclear what motivates his character Bruno. He is enigmatic and engaging. Engelke and Fahri Yardim (“Jerks”) also convince in their roles.
Individual scenes are very clear in their brutality. In one moment, for example, Bruno can be seen treating his thumb, which was cut off by an opponent.
“Shock” is a film that focuses very much on the essentials. The setting is Cologne, which the audience sees in coolly lit, shady establishments. The focus is on the excellently constructed plot, which tells how Bruno involuntarily slips deeper and deeper into the criminal milieu. It’s sometimes breathtakingly exciting, the twists and turns are unpredictable.