This beautifully acted film diligently explores isolation and fear through an abusive relationship and “abnormal” man’s need to control and dominate while exploring Clare’s creepy relationship with her captor

Shortland’s film is anti-climactic, burning at a painfully slow pace and never fully coming to a boil.

What really works for Berlin Syndrome is Shortland’s ability to create atmosphere and her untypical handling of a familiar situation. The creepy tone is immersive and doesn’t allow audiences to ever feel truly comfortable, like a good horror story should.