The Dutchman is a psychological head trip that feels like a one act stage play

The Dutchman is a psychological head trip that feels more like a one act stage play. Though the overall point is made – sort of – there is not a lot of meat on the bone when it comes to character depth and story. The only redeeming aspect is the performance by Kate Mara who seems to be the only one trying. The fact I am giving her most if not all of the credit is ironic given the theme of the film.

Synopsis: A successful black businessman, haunted by his crumbling marriage and identity crisis, is drawn into a sexualized game of cat and mouse with a mysterious white woman on a subway that leads to a violent conclusion. | 1h 28m | Rated R for sexual content, language and brief violence.

We meet the main character Clay (André Holland) and his wife Kaya (Zazie Beetz) as they are having a session with a marriage therapist named Dr. Amiri (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Clay is a businessman whose wife has had an affair. Clay doesn’t seem to want to talk about that or anything else. Upon leaving the therapy session Dr. Amiri asks Clay if he has ever read The Dutchman. It is a story that Clay is about to live through in one trippy, otherworld night.

The issue as a viewer is that there is no grounding for any of these characters. What starts off as a thriller with high potential ends up being a lukewarm soliloquy about finding your voice; in this case Clays. Clay meets Lula (Kate Mara) on a Subway train and she tempts him back to her place. She seems to know a lot about Clay which intrigues him.

As we discover that something more other worldly is happening we will want some juice moments and powerful interaction. That never happens. There are hints of blackmail, sexual scandal, all in the backdrop of the Harlem elite. This film takes advantage of none of that. In fact it squanders even more when you look at the supporting cast. Along with Beetz, Henderson, and Holland you also get the always powerful Aldis Hodge, Tracy Wilder, and Lauren E. Banks. All of these actors so versatile and able to bring depth of character. Sadly they were given nothing to work with, and as an audience we are left not caring.

Mara stands out maybe because Lula is the strongest on paper. She is given strong dialogue and a chance to explore race and sexuality while everyone else stands around gawking. Lula obviously is the personification of temptation where as Dr. Amiri is offering a chance at salvation. As these two battle for Clay it is clear the intention. But it never plays out as anything but mild fantasy.

THE DUTCHMAN is in theaters but do not waste your money. It will hit streaming soon and when it does, check it out if you are interested. Luckily it is short so not too much of your time will be wasted. Or you can make an even shorter film of it and just watch the last 15 minutes; the only part with any true grit.