Woensdag
A Dutch horror film about a game show gone wrong.
Woensdag (released in English as Wednesday) is a 2005 Dutch horror film co-written and co-directed by Bob Embregts and Jean-Paul Arends. The story follows eight contestants on a horror-themed game show called Camp Slasher, where they must complete challenges while evading a masked killer inspired by a local urban legend. Meanwhile, an actual murderer living in the woods kills the show’s crew and then turns his attention to the competitors. The cast includes Marisa Goedhart, Ronald van den Burg, and William van der Voort, among others. Critical reception was mixed: Bloody Disgusting praised the gore but criticized the screenplay and acting, giving it 3/5 and noting its short 75-minute runtime helped maintain pace. Neerlands Filmdoek gave a 1½ grade, panning the acting, dialogue, story, and production values while conceding the film is never boring and offers amusing horror moments with sufficient gore. Top of the Flops called it a “semi amateurish production” but enjoyable as something “designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.” Horror Neerlands awarded 2/5, faulting the personality-less characters, weak script, and slow start, yet admitted it remained “quite entertaining” and “still pretty fun.” Slasherpool also gave 2/5, describing it as a disappointing Dutch slasher unlikely to impress outside Holland, with a dull execution of an overused concept and poor visibility throughout.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Bob Embregts / Jean-Paul Arends
- Writer
- Jean-Paul Arends
- Starring
- Reine Rek / Cêfas Hoofs / Corne Heyboer / Sjanett de Geus / Nadia Huffmeijer / Marisa Goedhart / Ronald van den Burg / William van der Voort
- Music
- Ruud Jolie / Jorg van Beers
- Cinematography
- Bob Embregts / Peter Schrijvers
- Editing
- Bob Embregts
- Studio
- Asura Pictures
- Distributor
- Arts Home Entertainment
- Released
- 15 June 2005 · Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
- Runtime
- 75 minutes
- Country
- Netherlands
- Language
- Dutch
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Woensdag follows eight people chosen to compete on Camp Slasher, a new horror-themed game show. The contestants must complete challenges while trying to avoid a masked killer based on a local urban legend. Unbeknownst to the cast and crew, an actual homicidal maniac resides in the woods where they are shooting, and after massacring the behind-the-scenes personnel, he sets his sights on the competitors.
Reader's Guide
Woensdag received mixed reviews from critics. Bloody Disgusting praised the gore but criticized the screenplay and acting, giving it a 3/5 and noting it is entertaining despite not being a great movie. Neerlands Filmdoek panned the acting, dialogue, story, and production values, awarding a grade of 1½, but conceded that horror lovers may still enjoy its amusing moments and gore. Top of the Flops commended it as a semi-amateurish production designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Horror Neerlands gave it a 2/5, panning the personality-less characters and slow start, but admitted it was quite entertaining. Slasherpool also gave a 2/5, calling it a disappointing slasher unlikely to impress outside Holland, with a dull concept and poor visibility. The film's significance lies in its status as a Dutch slasher entry that, despite flaws, found an audience among horror enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- The film was written and directed by Bob Embregts and Jean-Paul Arends.
- The plot involves a game show called Camp Slasher where contestants avoid a masked killer based on a local urban legend.
- The runtime is 75 minutes.
- Bloody Disgusting gave the film a score of 3/5, praising the gore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Woensdag?
Woensdag is a 75-minute Dutch-language horror film from 2005 that was released in English-speaking markets under the title Wednesday. It blends the slasher genre with a game-show premise.
What is the plot of Woensdag?
Eight contestants take part in a horror-themed game show called Camp Slasher, where they must clear challenges while evading a masked killer modeled on a local urban legend. The danger becomes real when an actual murderer lurking in the woods starts killing the production crew and then sets his sights on the competitors.
How was Woensdag received by critics?
Reviews were largely mixed, with the film earning a positive mention from horror outlet Bloody Disgusting while drawing more lukewarm responses elsewhere. Fans tend to remember it as a fun, low-budget entry in the slasher-game-show niche.
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