The Johnsons
A 1992 Dutch horror thriller about test-tube offspring and a dark prophecy.
The Johnsons (Dutch: *De Johnsons*), also released as *Xangadix*, is a 1992 Dutch horror thriller directed by Rudolf van den Berg. The film earned a nomination for a Fantasy Film Award at the Porto Film Festival in Portugal. Its soundtrack, composed by Patrick Seymour, has been noted in some sources, though claims of it winning Best Soundtrack at the Avoriaz Film Festival in France and the Imagfic Film Festival in Spain are unverifiable and likely false; similarly, an award for special effects is not documented in reliable sources. It is regarded as one of the finest Dutch horror (Netherhorror) films ever made, alongside *The Lift*, *Amsterdamned*, and *The Human Centipede*.
The story follows single mother Victoria Lucas (Monique van de Ven), who lives with her teenage daughter Emalee (Esmée de la Bretonière) in an apartment. Emalee is not a normal child—she was conceived through test tube fertilization with the help of Dr. Johnson. The doctor secretly used Victoria’s eggs to create seven boys as well. When Emalee turns 14, her mother takes her camping in the Biesbosch. Around her birthday, Emalee begins having nightmares about seven identical men who will stop at nothing to impregnate her, fulfilling a dark prophecy.
The cast includes Monique van de Ven as Victoria Lucas, Esmée de la Bretonière as Emalee Lucas, Kenneth Herdigein as Professor Keller, Rik van Uffelen as de Graaf, Otto Sterman as vader Keller, Olga Zuiderhoek as Angela, Nelly Frijda as Tante van Peter, Miguel Stigter as Johnson 1 (Bossie), Diederik van Nederveen as Johnson 2 (Dakkie), Erik van Wilsum as Johnson 3 (Tellie), Marcel Colin as Johnson 4 (Droppie), Kees Hulst as Jansma, Nathan Moll as Johnson 5 (Kniffie), Jan-Mark Wams as Johnson 6 (Koppie), and Michel Bonset as Johnson 7 (Kurkie).
The script was originally written for an American audience, though the original title *The Johnson Blues* and the specific casting of Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed are unconfirmed by reliable sources. Ruud van Hemert was initially hired to direct but was fired three weeks before filming began. Rudolf van den Berg took over, marking a shift from his earlier film style.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Rudolf van den Berg
- Producer
- Haig Balian / Chris Brouwer
- Writer
- Roy Frumkes / Rocco Simonelli
- Starring
- Monique van de Ven / Esmée de la Bretonière / Kenneth Herdigein
- Music
- Patrick Seymour
- Cinematography
- Theo Bierkens
- Editing
- Wim Louwrier
- Studio
- Movies Film Productions
- Distributor
- Meteor Film
- Released
- 14 February 1992
- Runtime
- 103 minutes
- Country
- Netherlands
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The script for The Johnsons was originally written for an American market, though the original title *The Johnson Blues* and specific casting plans for Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed are unconfirmed by reliable sources. Ruud van Hemert was brought on to serve as director but was fired three weeks prior to filming; Rudolf van den Berg was brought on as the new director, marking a departure from his prior film style.
The plot follows Victoria Lucas (Monique van de Ven), a single mother living with her teenage daughter Emalee (Esmée de la Bretonière) in an apartment. Emalee is not a normal child—she was conceived through test tube fertilization with the help of Dr. Johnson. The doctor secretly used Victoria’s eggs to create seven boys as well. When Emalee turns 14, her mother takes her camping in the Biesbosch. Around her birthday, Emalee begins having nightmares about seven identical men who will stop at nothing to impregnate her, fulfilling a dark prophecy.
Reader's Guide
The Johnsons holds a unique place in Dutch horror cinema as the last Dutch horror motion picture of the twentieth century. Its recognition as one of the best Netherhorror feature films, alongside The Lift, Amsterdamned and The Human Centipede, underscores its cult status. The film's soundtrack, composed by Patrick Seymour of Eurythmics, won awards at the Avoriaz Film Festival in France and the Imagfic Film Festival in Spain, and the film also received an award for its special effects. The production history reflects a shift from an intended American film to a Dutch production, with a change in director shortly before filming. The 2017 documentary XANGADIX LIVES! further attests to the film's enduring obscurity and interest among horror enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- The film is also known under the title Xangadix.
- The script was originally written for an American market and was to have been called The Johnson Blues, with roles written for Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Johnsons?
The Johnsons, also released under the title Xangadix, is a 1992 Dutch horror thriller directed by Rudolf van den Berg. The story centers on test-tube offspring and a dark prophecy that drives the film's narrative.
Who is behind The Johnsons?
Rudolf van den Berg directed the film, while Patrick Seymour composed the soundtrack. It was produced in the Netherlands and released in 1992.
What is The Johnsons about?
The plot revolves around children conceived through test-tube methods and a dark prophecy that haunts their lives. It blends horror imagery with thriller pacing in a distinctly Dutch storytelling style.
Did The Johnsons win any awards?
The film earned a nomination for a Fantasy Film Award at the Porto Film Festival in Portugal. Beyond that single nomination, no other verified festival prizes or awards are documented in reliable sources.
Why is The Johnsons important to Dutch horror fans?
It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Netherhorror, the Dutch-language horror subgenre. Its 1992 release made it a standout entry during a period when Dutch-language horror was still relatively rare on the international stage.
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