A new leader has emerged on Netflix—and it’s not a Hollywood blockbuster, but an intimate Dutch thriller based on a real-life standoff. Yet the rapid climb to the top seems to owe less to artistic merit and more to the mechanics of streaming algorithms.
The film iHostage, released on April 18, climbed to the top of Netflix's US Top 10 within days. Based on a 2022 incident, it tells the story of a hostage crisis at an Apple Store in central Amsterdam. An armed man demanded €200 million in cryptocurrency, threatening to blow himself up, while police, journalists, and onlookers gathered outside. The tension built for nearly five hours—until a hostage escape attempt ended with the assailant’s death.
At the center of the story is Ilian Petrov (played by Admir Sehovic), a Bulgarian man who becomes the primary hostage. He is seized by terrorist Ammar Ajar (Soufiane Moussouli), and soon a full-scale standoff begins. Police and special forces work to avoid bloodshed, while the film unfolds in near real-time—giving it a pseudo-documentary feel.
Still, judged by its tension and dramatic depth, iHostage is something of a letdown. Despite its chart-topping success, the film fails to evoke strong emotions. The drama lacks edge, and scenes meant to keep viewers on the edge of their seats come off as flat. A story with real potential ends up feeling hollow.
There are some strengths. Director Bobby Boermans opted for restraint—eschewing excessive action in favor of realism, using surveillance footage and police bodycams. This gives the film a documentary feel, but it comes at the cost of emotional engagement. The movie is something to observe, not experience.
Critics have taken note. Archie Sengupta of LeisureByte writes bluntly: "The biggest sin of iHostage is boredom. It simply doesn’t grab you." Subhash K. Jha of News 24 adds that the screenplay tries too hard to please, making every scene feel forced. "Not a single moment feels organic," he concludes.
On Rotten Tomatoes, viewers gave the film a dismal 19%. One reviewer called it "one of the most boring movies in recent years", while others cited its "dragging pace" and "cliched dialogue".
Trailer for the film iHostage.
Nevertheless, the film has found its fans. Rick Hong of Film Threat wrote: "With tense moments and nail-biting scenes, iHostage is a gripping spectacle that resonates with viewers."
But even he doesn't deny the obvious: in a weak month, even a mediocre thriller can rise to the top of Netflix's rankings.
Is it worth watching? If you're looking for a light evening film to play in the background, iHostage might do the job. But if you're after real cinema—it's worth digging a little deeper into Netflix's library.
