Imperium (2016)

Imperium (2016) is fantastic! I have to say that Radcliffe plays it extremely well. After this brilliant role, I want to put this film next to Swiss Army Man (2016) and Jungle (2017), as they are my two favourite films with him. Victor Frankenstein (2015) is also very good.

This film could have been excellent, unfortunately, on reflection, I’m missing a few elements in the story. I don’t want to spoil anything, but towards the end everything moves a little too fast for my liking… and a lot of details and characters are left hanging. But I still think it’s a great film! Incidentally, I’d be interested to hear what other people think.

This film has been compared to the masterpiece American History X (1998), but also to The Departed (2006). I don’t like Mafia films in general, and this one was no exception. So mixing these two films couldn’t possibly create something I’d totally enjoy!

Here, we don’t see scenes as violent or brutal as in those two films, so as far as physical and graphic violence goes, it’s tolerable. On the other hand, if you can’t stand the world of neo-Nazis, fascism and the far right, you’re likely to suffocate, because you’re in their company for most of the film. After that, it all depends on which side you’re on and why you watch this kind of film.

It’s strange: I haven’t found another film by director Daniel Ragussis. I don’t know if this is his only film. And if so, why?

I’m glad that Toni Collette doesn’t have a tiny role. It’s always immensely pleasing to see her again.

The one who has an important role, but who isn’t too present on screen, is Nestor Carbonell. It’s a shame, because he’s also an actor I’m always happy to see. He’s the kind of actor you know you’ve seen before, but who can be hard to put into context. In any case, he’s best known for his portrayal of the mysterious Richard Alpert in the TV series Lost, but also for playing the mayor of Gotham City in The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

‘Imperium’ is gripping, suffocating, plunging us into unhealthy worlds with people who are far worse than wild animals and who are humanly impossible to understand. Perhaps a little more socially. Skinheads have always had ideas as broad as the length of their hair. So it’s hard to have a conversation with them, especially if they’re always ticking time bombs ready to threaten, shout or hit.

I wondered how far all this would take me, but was convinced that such a story could not end well. Despite the madness and terror, this film is full of hope… because not only is not everyone like that, but there are also those who are prepared to do anything to make the world a better place. Respect!

In a single sentence: A gripping, complex thriller. Daniel Radcliffe is once again convincing. But I find all the actors in this film rather brave to take on this kind of role…