Stricken 2009
"Would you cheat on your partner when they needed you most?"
Set against the sun-drenched yet deceptive surface of the Dutch countryside, *Stricken* (2009) follows Stijn, a charismatic ad-man whose restless ambition and serial infidelity seem tamed by marriage to his colleague Carmen.
Director: Reinout Oerlemans
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stricken (2009) about?
Stricken tells the story of Stijn, a successful ad executive whose life unravels when his wife Carmen is diagnosed with breast cancer. As their world tilts into chaos, Stijn's unresolved issues with fidelity and self-worth resurface, testing the limits of their marriage and his own integrity.
Who directed Stricken?
Stricken was directed by Reinout Oerlemans, a Dutch filmmaker known for his sharp, character-driven dramas that blend realism with emotional depth.
Who stars in Stricken?
The film stars Barry Atsma as Stijn, Carice van Houten as Carmen, Anna Drijver, Jeroen Willems, and Sacha Bulthuis, with Pierre Bokma rounding out the core cast.
Is Stricken (2009) worth watching?
As a character-driven drama, *Stricken* delivers strong performances and a gripping exploration of marital strain. While it isn't widely rated, its themes of loyalty and self-deception resonate strongly within the genre, making it a compelling choice for fans of thoughtful, emotionally charged Dutch cinema.
How long is Stricken?
Stricken has a runtime of 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Stricken (2009) — A Dutch Drama Where Trust Is the First Casualty
Set against the sun-drenched yet deceptive surface of the Dutch countryside, *Stricken* (2009) follows Stijn, a charismatic ad-man whose restless ambition and serial infidelity seem tamed by marriage to his colleague Carmen. Directed by Reinout Oerlemans, the film pivots from stylish career highs to a sudden crisis when Carmen is diagnosed with breast cancer. Stijn's world fractures—not just emotionally, but morally—challenging the fragile pact he's made with himself about love, loyalty, and the cost of self-destruction.
This raw, intimate Dutch drama explores the erosion of trust and the shifting sands of personal integrity under pressure. With Carice van Houten as the resilient Carmen and Barry Atsma as the self-sabotaging Stijn, *Stricken* crafts a tense, emotionally charged atmosphere where privilege and pain collide. Oerlemans infuses the narrative with a quiet intensity, turning a familiar premise into a haunting meditation on modern relationships and the lies we tell to keep them intact.