Sometimes it’s perplexing after seeing a film that’s almost impossible to review for your readers. Take the case of A Young Man with High Potential. Production, acting and directing wise it’s a very good film, but the storyline turns totally pernicious and inconceivable. More of an OMG did I just see that happen film, but in a “are you kidding me” way? The only saving factor is that the film comes out on the edge of the upcoming Halloween Madness month, yet even with that in mind, the film’s a mind bender. If you have made it through psycho-babble films like The Human Centipede 1,2 & 3, or even Nymphomaniac 1 & 2 then you should be able to sit through this one.
Piet Carnell (Adam Ild Rohweder) is a shy, but brilliant student who’s working for a grad school diploma. However he’s also very much an introvert and does not attend regular classes instead taking them on his computer. Previously an entrepreneur, he sold his company for a lot of money and now has no worries as to an income. Being a loner however, just getting out of his apartment is a huge task.
It’s the end of the semester and a final paper is due. His Professor however, wants the thesis done with partners. The next day Klara Koslowski (Paulina Galazka), a very smart person as well, shows up at his door announcing that the professor has chosen her to work with Piet. At first Piet is very adamant that he must work alone, but her beauty and charm convinces him to take a chance.
Becoming enamored by her attractiveness and helpfulness, Piet starts to fall in love with Klara, but his inability to make a move on her starts building pent-up sexual desires. So beings a story of a life changing situation that puts the two of them on a road to a dark path.
Directed by Linus de Paoli and co-written with his wife Anna, the duo pen one of the most diabolical films I’ve seen in quite a while. Linus starts the film with a question and then works his way through each chapter to its brain busting finale. It defies any of the horror flicks being released this year to out-do his impulsive repulsive finish. Comparing this flick with horror releases I’ve seen so far this year so far nothing compares.
The acting by the two main characters Paulina Galazka and Adam Ild Rohweder is actually very good portraying their character’s personas with ease. They work Klara and Piet into a believable pairing for the thesis paper, while she gets Piet to take chances with leaving his apartment. The two seem to have a future together beyond college. However, it’s the happenstance that turns the film ugly and unthinkable,
A Young Man with High Potential has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains male and female explicit nudity, rape, sex, language, drug use and very gory scenes.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Only if the word “shocking” doesn’t bother you. (For acting 3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Adam Ild Rohweder, Paulina Galazka, Pit Bukowski, Amanda Plummer, Vania Bajdarova, Laurence Roothooft,
Directed by: Linus de Paoli
Written by: Linus and Anna de Paoli
Genre: Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains both sex explicit nudity, rape, sex, language, and drug use and very gory scenes.
Running Time: 1 hr. 25 min.
Opening Date: September 17, 2019
Distributed by: Artsploitation Films
Released in: VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
