The Treatment is a 2014 Belgian crime thriller film directed by Hans Herbots and stars Geert Van Rampelberg as Inspector Nick Cafmeyer. The film is based on the novel of the same name by British author Mo Hayder.
The story follows Nick Cafmeyer, a successful and intelligent detective who operates in Ghent, Belgium. However, Nick has been plagued by his past, and since he was nine years old, he has struggled with the trauma of his younger brother Bjorn's disappearance. The case remains unsolved, and Nick has spent his life trying to find closure by solving it.
The film begins with Nick investigating a series of brutal crimes that appear to be linked to a notorious sex offender named Ivan Plettinckx (played by Johan van Assche). Ivan had been a suspect in Bjorn's disappearance but was never charged. Ivan now lives near Nick and holds a disturbing fascination with him, taking every opportunity to taunt and torment him.
While investigating the current case, Nick becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Ivan, who seems to have a grudge against Nick for not connecting him to Bjorn's case. To make matters worse, Nick's personal life falls into disarray as he struggles with his ongoing trauma. He turns to alcohol and has a complicated relationship with his sister.
The case takes an unexpected turn when a nine-year-old boy goes missing. Nick leads a massive manhunt, desperate to prevent another tragedy. His obsession with the case leads him down a dark path and ultimately forces him to confront his own demons and the secrets that have been haunting him for years.
The Treatment is a tense and gripping thriller that explores the dark side of the human psyche and the toll that trauma takes on those who experience it. The film delves into themes of guilt, loss, and the lengths people will go to seek justice and closure. It is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged film that is not to be missed.
