Synopsis
The film focuses on the life of a single mother, Meral Özturk who is of Turkish and Dutch descent. She resides in Almere and has two young daughters. Her quiet life takes a turn for the worse when the Dutch Tax Authority wrongfully accuses her of owing them €34,000 in childcare benefots. Out of nowhere Ron, a social investigator, enters her life only making things worse. With Meral already struggling in her professional and personal life, Ron’s actions add on to the stress. The situation reaches its peak anxiety when she feels forced to take extreme measures to keep her family safe.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Stijn Bouma
- Main Cast:
- Dilan Yurdakul as Meral Özturk
- Gijs Naber as Ron
- Raymond Thiry as Derk Pont
- Olga Zuiderhoek as Mrs. Terpstra
- Writers: Stijn Bouma and Roelof Jan Minneboo
- Cinematography: Mick van Dantzig
- Editing: Saskia Kievits
- Music: Minco Eggersman
Premiere & Reception
“De Jacht op Meral Ö” had its premiere on September 2, 2024, at the De Balie in Amsterdam and was also screened at the Film by the Sea festival at Vlissingen. The film got mixed and positive reviews. Dagblad Trouw called it “a compelling documentary about the childcare benefits scandal,” while De Volkskrant rated it at four out of five. Renske Leijten, a cena in a whistleblowing, and tearing scandal stated that the film was a true to life account.
IMDb Rating
The film has a score of 7.0 on IMDb, based on 128 ratings.
Cultural Significance
“Meral Ö. Başındaki Av” sheds better light on millions of children affected as a result of the Dutch Child Care Benefits Scandal however as its director narrated her sense of ‘catharsis’ because merely Meral’s small story had performed and enthralled spectators with the pity for representing commonplace views without subjectivity and without usual red flags for leftist stories. By narrowing in on Meral’s case, the documentar tackles broader themes such as institutional racism, justice and abuse of power by the state.
Personal Insights
The picture competently narrates the multifaceted reality and emotions surrounding the benefits scandal, such as the loss, in a subtle way. Dilan Yurdakul’s performance as Meral stands out as well, embodying the strength and fragility of a woman battling an oppressive regime. This is an eye-opening film which connects with all, particularly to those who know the scandal and are interested in social justice and the government’s responsibility.