Matterhorn is the story of a tightly wound widower Fred (the formidable Ton Kas) who lives alone under a self-imposed rigid routine.
Fred is also devoutly religious so when he discovers Theo (René van't Hof), a man in need of assistance, he takes him into his home, feeds him, and gives him a place to live.
Theo is simple-minded and through this simplicity comes to show Fred a more open and clear understanding of the world, so when the senior members of the church object to his new-found friendship, Fred strives even harder to exert his independence and march to his own drummer. Threads of his present situation begin to tie in the past and we discover the truths that have lain hidden.
The film has been described as a tale of “loneliness, love, and liberation” but is also a story of acceptance, endurance, and discovery. It is well written and brilliantly acted and never quite goes where you think it might, which in itself is refreshing.
Theo is simple-minded and through this simplicity comes to show Fred a more open and clear understanding of the world, so when the senior members of the church object to his new-found friendship, Fred strives even harder to exert his independence and march to his own drummer. Threads of his present situation begin to tie in the past and we discover the truths that have lain hidden.
The film has been described as a tale of “loneliness, love, and liberation” but is also a story of acceptance, endurance, and discovery. It is well written and brilliantly acted and never quite goes where you think it might, which in itself is refreshing.
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