Mr K (2024) by Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab

Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab’s second feature film, Mr. K, is a surreal and unsettling drama that plunges audiences into a Kafkaesque nightmare through the eyes of a bewildered traveling magician. Starring the enigmatic Crispin Glover in the titular role, the Dutch-Belgian-Norwegian co-production premiered in the prestigious Platform section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and has since garnered nominations at various European and international film festivals, including a Silver Méliès win at the Imagine Film Festival.

Mr. K follows a traveling magician, the eponymous Mr. K (Crispin Glover), who, after a seemingly ordinary night’s rest, finds himself trapped in a bizarre, once-stately hotel from which he cannot find the exit. His initial confusion quickly spirals into a suffocating nightmare as every attempt to leave only pulls him deeper into the hotel’s labyrinthine corridors and the strange lives of its equally peculiar inhabitants.

The hotel itself becomes a central character – a liminal, transitory space that takes on a life of its own, mirroring Mr. K’s growing desperation and existential crisis. As he tries to navigate the increasingly absurd barriers to his escape, Mr. K encounters a gallery of eccentric guests and staff, including the enigmatic Gaga (Sunnyi Melles), the stern Chef (Bjørn Sundquist), and the mysterious Ruth Monchien (Fionnula Flanagan). These encounters are often whimsical and darkly comedic, yet underlying the strangeness is a sinister and unquantifiable chaos.

Mr. K’s quest to understand his predicament and find a way out soon attracts a cult-like following among some of the other guests, who see him as a potential messiah or liberator, despite his insistence that he is “no one.” The film is an allegory for human existence, exploring themes of control, understanding the world, and the human desire for freedom and meaning in the face of an illusory reality. As Mr. K’s attempts at escape grow more frantic and bizarre, the film evokes the suffocating spirit of Franz Kafka’s works, particularly The Trial and The Castle, but with a distinctive blend of whimsy and dread, reminiscent of films like Luis Buñuel’s The Exterminating Angel and Wes Anderson’s aesthetic, albeit with a much darker undertone. The narrative becomes a dream-like exploration of the absurdity and existential horror of the human condition, where the boundaries of reality blur and the pursuit of an exit maps out both the forward momentum and the futility of human endeavor.

A traveling magician, Mr. K, wakes up in a mysterious hotel and finds himself unable to leave. As he navigates its surreal corridors and encounters its peculiar inhabitants, his attempts to escape only pull him deeper into a Kafkaesque nightmare, forcing him to confront the absurdity of his predicament and the nature of his own existence.

Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab, as both writer and director, aimed to create a surrealistic drama that doubles as an allegorical exploration of the human condition. Her statement highlights that Mr. K explores “the way we try to mould reality into something we can control and understand and how we protect the status quo by surrounding ourselves with others who share our view, making the world bite size and relatable.” She emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind, going down new paths, and accepting the unknown. Schwab sought to create a film that allows the audience to interpret its meaning for themselves, using a distinct visual style (cinematography by Frank Griebe) and an often overwhelming score (by Stijn Cole) to immerse viewers in Mr. K’s panic and confusion, crafting an aesthetic that feels both out of time and captivatingly strange.   

• Existentialism and Absurdity: The core theme, exploring humanity’s struggle for meaning and control in a seemingly irrational and unpredictable world.

• Kafkaesque Bureaucracy and Entrapment: The feeling of being caught in a system or situation from which there is no logical escape, marked by surreal, illogical barriers.

• Loss of Control: Mr. K’s increasing inability to influence his circumstances mirrors the human desire to control external reality.

• Identity and Perception: The film questions how individuals perceive themselves and their environment when stripped of familiar anchors.

• Cult of Personality/Messiah Complex: The unintended consequence of Mr. K’s quest attracting a following, highlighting how people seek leaders in times of confusion.

• The Microcosm of Society: The hotel functions as a miniature world, reflecting broader societal tendencies to impose order and resist disruption.

• Crispin Glover’s Performance: Glover’s unique presence and ability to portray a blend of polite bewilderment, spirited enthusiasm, and underlying disillusionment make him the anchor of the film.

• Unique and Evocative Premise: The Kafkaesque scenario of being trapped in a hotel provides a rich canvas for surrealism and allegory.

• Strong Festival Presence: Its premiere at TIFF (Platform competition) and subsequent selections at major genre and international festivals (Busan, Sitges, Imagine Film Festival, Glasgow, Tallinn Black Nights) demonstrate its artistic merit and genre appeal.

• Distinctive Aesthetic: The film’s visual style, production design, and sound design contribute significantly to its immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

• Thought-Provoking Narrative: Despite its surrealism, the film prompts deeper reflection on human behavior, control, and the search for meaning.

• Crispin Glover as Mr. K

• Sunnyi Melles as Gaga

• Fionnula Flanagan as Ruth Monchien

• Bjørn Sundquist as Chef

• Dearbhla Molloy as Sara Monchien

• Barbara Sarafian as Mrs. Hum

• Jan Gunnar Røise as Anton

• Esmée van Kampen as Melinda

• Sam Louwyck as Grey Man   

Mr. K has received notable recognition on the festival circuit:

• Winner: Silver Méliès for Best Feature Film at Imagine Film Festival, NL (2024)

• Nominated: Platform Award at Toronto International Film Festival (2024)

• Nominated: Official Fantàstic Competition for Best Motion Picture at Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival (2024)

• European Film Awards 2024: Selected as part of the European Film Awards Feature Film Selection, making it eligible for nominations in major categories.

Critics have generally lauded Mr. K for its distinctive vision, Crispin Glover’s captivating performance, and its successful evocation of Kafkaesque themes, though some noted its challenging nature.

• IndieWire: Described it as an “impressive slice of strangeness that lingers in the memory,” noting its “distinctive from recognisable influences.” It also stated, “Crispin Glover Is in Search of an Exit in the Kafkaesque ‘Mr. K’.”

• Projected Figures: Praised its ability to “evoke through its very title the suffocating spirit of Franz Kafka,” while also drawing comparisons to films like Béla Tarr’s The Werckmeister Harmonies and Luis Buñuel’s The Exterminating Angel.

• FilmCarnage.com: Highlighted Crispin Glover’s “much deserved leading role,” stating he “brings his usual unique presence and endearing quality.” They praised Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab for a “superb style and atmosphere.”

• Spoiler Free Reviews: While acknowledging the film is “a good exercise in making something distinctive from recognisable influences,” some reviews felt the “sheer relentless barrage of strangeness becomes a little wearying.”

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics largely commend Mr. K as a bold and distinctive surrealist drama, praising Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab’s vision and Crispin Glover’s central performance for bringing the Kafkaesque nightmare to life. The film’s challenging nature and allegorical depth were often highlighted.

Audience reviews from festivals and early theatrical runs indicate a strong appreciation for the film’s originality and Crispin Glover’s performance. Viewers found the film captivatingly strange and thought-provoking, though some found its surrealism and lack of traditional narrative resolution to be a challenge. The blend of drama, mystery, and dark comedy resonated with those who appreciate unique genre blends.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews suggest that Mr. K is a polarizing but ultimately rewarding film for audiences who appreciate surreal, allegorical, and intellectually stimulating cinema, particularly those drawn to the unique presence of Crispin Glover.

As of early May 2025, Mr. K has had limited theatrical releases in several territories. Box office data reported by The Numbers shows a worldwide gross of approximately $98,846, primarily from the Netherlands ($98,846). As an independent European art-house film, its financial success is measured more by its festival recognition and critical acclaim rather than widespread commercial release.

• Director: Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab

• Writer: Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab

• Producers: Erik Glijnis, Leontine Petit, Dries Phlypo, Judy Tossell, Ineke Kanters, Jan van der Zanden. Executive producers include Turid Øversveen, Katja Harterink, and others.

• Cinematography: Frank Griebe

• Editor: Maarten Janssens

• Music by: Stijn Cole (also known as Stan Lee Cole)

• Production Companies: Lemming Film (Netherlands), A Private View (Belgium), The Film Kitchen (Netherlands), Take 1 (Norway), Finnish Impact Film Fund.

• Distributed by: Paradiso Entertainment (Netherlands)

• Production Countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Norway (co-production)

• Language: English

• Running Time: 96 minutes (or 94 minutes depending on source)

• Budget: Not explicitly stated but supported by various European funds (Eurimages, Netherlands Film Fund, Flanders Audiovisual Fund, Norwegian Film Institute, Finnish Impact Film Fund).

• Filming Locations: Not widely publicized but implies a single, self-contained hotel setting.

Mr. K had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Platform competition in September 2024.

Key theatrical release dates include:

• Busan International Film Festival (2024)

• Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival (2024)

• Imagine Film Festival, NL (2024)

• Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (2024)

• Glasgow Film Festival (2025)

• Calgary Underground Film Festival (2025)

• Istanbul Film Festival (2025)

• Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2025)

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Unique and Audacious: It’s a rare and bold piece of cinema that dares to be different, exploring complex themes through surrealism.

• Crispin Glover’s Leading Role: A must-see for fans of Glover’s distinctive acting style, given his rare lead performance.

• Intellectually Stimulating: The film invites interpretation and thought, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy allegorical storytelling.

• Strong Festival Pedigree: Its selection and nominations at prestigious festivals highlight its artistic quality and significance.

• Visually and Sonically Immersive: The film creates a captivating and unsettling atmosphere through its cinematography, production design, and score.

• For Fans of Surrealist Cinema: If you appreciate films that challenge conventional narratives and delve into dreamlike or bizarre realities.

• If You Like Psychological/Existential Dramas: For a deep dive into themes of control, identity, and the absurdities of existence.

• To Experience Something Different: It stands out from typical releases, offering a fresh and unique cinematic voice.

• To See a Notable European Co-Production: Showcasing the collaborative efforts of multiple European countries in filmmaking.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Mr. K firmly aligns with the trend of “Arthouse/Festival Cinema,” particularly films that prioritize artistic expression, psychological depth, and unconventional narratives over mainstream appeal. It also contributes to the resurgence of “Surrealist Cinema” and films with a strong “Kafkaesque” sensibility, reflecting an interest in exploring themes of bureaucracy, entrapment, and the absurd.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film taps into the contemporary social trend of “Existential Anxiety” and the feeling of “Loss of Control” in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world. It subtly comments on how individuals attempt to make sense of chaos and the human tendency to seek guidance or meaning, even in the most illogical circumstances, resonating with broader discussions about truth, reality, and perception in a post-truth era.

Tallulah Hazekamp Schwab’s Mr. K is a bold, challenging, and ultimately mesmerizing film. Anchored by a captivating performance from Crispin Glover, it creates a vivid and unsettling Kafkaesque world that is both darkly whimsical and profoundly unsettling. While its surrealism and allegorical nature may not appeal to all, for those who appreciate cinema that provokes thought and embraces the unconventional, Mr. K is a unique and unforgettable journey into the absurdities of human existence and the perplexing nature of control. It marks a significant and distinctive voice in contemporary European cinema.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Distinctive Vision: Dare to explore unique concepts and unconventional narrative structures, even if they challenge audience expectations.

• Utilize Casting Power: Recognize how an actor with a unique screen presence (like Crispin Glover) can elevate a surreal or challenging narrative.

• Build Immersive Worlds: Focus on comprehensive world-building through production design, cinematography, and sound to draw the audience into the film’s specific reality, no matter how strange.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Auteur-Driven Projects: Continue to invest in filmmakers with strong authorial voices who are willing to take creative risks, as they often produce artistically significant and thought-provoking works.

• Promote International Co-Productions: Highlight the value of collaborations between different countries, which can lead to diverse and richly textured cinematic experiences.

• Champion Festival Darlings: Recognize the importance of film festivals as platforms for discovering and nurturing unique cinematic voices, ensuring they reach wider audiences.