Directed by Harvey Kadijk and written alongside Jolijn van Dulken, ‘360°’ drops us straight into a drug recovery meeting. Newcomer Alice is introduced, she’s a live wire – jittery, restless, uncomfortable in her own skin. Played with authenticity by Lieke Witteveen, she speaks up. Cocaine addiction since the age of fifteen. Her voice doesn’t waver, but you can see it costs her. The moment is stripped of theatrics, and it works because it feels real. The film is spoken entirely in Dutch, with English subtitles.
Then we cut to Jaden. Kevin Wekker plays him with a tightly wound energy, like a man constantly on the edge of snapping. He’s frustrated, sharp-tongued, stuck in his own loop. He picks up girlfriend Alice after her meeting. She’s not just attending for herself – she wants him to quit too. But he shuts down, brushes it off, gets defensive. It’s a dynamic many will recognise: one partner ready to confront the damage, the other still in denial, hiding behind anger.
Kadijk directs with restraint, letting silence and subtext do the work. Conversations unfold naturally, almost like you’re eavesdropping. Jeffry H Bakker’s handheld cinematography adds to the intimacy – tight frames, restless movement, always hovering close. It feels intrusive, but intentionally so. Both Witteveen and Wekker keep their performances grounded and raw. There’s nothing theatrical about their pain.
When Jaden finds out his mother is dying, the film doesn’t slow down for emotion – it just lets the news sit. It lands quietly, but heavily. A crack in his armour. It’s the moment that pushes him toward reflection in a way Alice’s pleas couldn’t.
‘360°’ doesn’t try to uplift or inspire. It stares straight at addiction, codependency and emotional paralysis. It’s honest, unflinching and incredibly well made. Definitely worth your time.
