Borkmann’s Point

The story unfolds in the early 1990s, a period when long experience in policing clashes with rising pressure to deliver quick results. A veteran inspector interrupts his vacation to aid a remote police chief, underscoring the era’s emphasis on duty and procedural thoroughness. Retirement looms for some senior characters, adding urgency to solve the case before it ends.

Kaalbringen is a remote, quiet town where a string of ax murders disrupts the daily routine. The setting provides a closed community vibe where every lead matters and investigators are pushed to the limit. The town’s seclusion heightens tension as outsiders struggle to find a connecting thread between seemingly unrelated victims.

🔎 Investigation

The core of the film is the search for a rational explanation behind a series of ax murders. Dedication, attention to detail, and patient deduction drive the team as they search for a hidden pattern. The thriller relies on methodical sleuthing and the tension between what is known and what remains elusive.

🍷 Friendship & Duty

The bond between Van Veeteren and the local chief Bausen is built on mutual respect and shared loves, such as chess and fine wine. Their camaraderie anchors the investigation and motivates them to push through fatigue and retirement anxieties. The story uses this friendship to highlight the sense of duty that transcends personal convenience.

⌛ Time Pressure

Retirement looming over key figures adds a ticking clock to the investigation, increasing the stakes. The killers' precision and the truncated window for solving the case create a palpable sense of urgency. The countdown affects decisions and fuels dramatic tension among the team.