Cargo

Cargo is unquestionably a Flemish movie as it suffers from the flaws we see in all other "Flanders-flicks". We see downcast characters trodding through a world of faded shades of grey and blue with the occasional touch of orange. After all, the streetlights do have that colour. The script is immature, not to say slightly daft (not to say slow and tedious), and there is not a single grain of hope. Precisely the kind of lighthearted movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

Luckily, Coulier's direction is smooth. The cast's performances are decent: dramatic to suit the overall tone but stoic enough to keep it honest. David Williamson's cinematography is the only thing that tries to elevate the drama out of the salty sludge. Lisa Van der Aa's score is dark but also obscured by its lack of originality. However, the technical execution is not a real problem. The real problem is the story.

Instead of focussing on the main line of tension, Cargo decides to lose precious time on two oversimplified side plots. As a result, it sees itself forced to end the movie at a point where most other movies begin.

All the subjects it touches on are underdeveloped. All characters lack personality.

It's sad. It looked promising, but it's as average as any Flemish movie. Watch it if you'd like to see some pretty shots of Ostend and the Flemish coastline. Or else if you really don't have anything else to do on your Sunday afternoon.