Michael is a dark psychological thriller film directed by Markus Schleinzer. The movie centers around the story of Michael, a seemingly normal insurance broker, who holds a 10-year-old boy named Wolfgang captive in his soundproof basement. Michael is a meticulous and organized abductor who keeps a strict routine with the boy, providing him with food, clothing, and hygiene necessities.
Wolfgang becomes Michael's prisoner after being lured away from a playground. Michael's motive for kidnapping the child is never revealed. The film doesn't shed any light on whether Wolfgang's abduction is a clear act of sexual abuse or simply a fascination that Michael has with control and ownership.
The movie portrays a seemingly mundane and unassuming life of Michael juxtaposed with the horrific crime he is committing. Michael goes about his daily life as an insurance broker, socializing with his colleagues, going on business trips, and even attending family gatherings. However, the movie illustrates Michael’s emotional detachment from reality, watching him rent a child's movie for Wolfgang to watch, but staring blankly when Wolfgang tries to engage him in conversation.
Throughout the movie, the audience can experience Michael's growing mental instability as he faces the challenges of keeping his secret. During one scene, Michael’s estranged sister comes to visit him, and despite his best efforts to act normal, the visit leads to an emotional breakdown by Michael.
The film is a stark exploration of the human psyche and features minimal dialogue. Michael's silence and cold detachment emphasize his inhumanity, and leave much to the viewer's imagination. The movie’s compelling and uncomfortable narrative kept the audience on edge as they witnessed Michael’s routine, Wolfgang’s despair, and Michael’s increasingly erratic behavior.
Overall, the movie Michael is deeply unsettling and meant for a mature audience seeking an unflinching look into the mind of a child abductor.
