“Wetlands” is neither a pornographic film nor a provocative disgusting comedy of the “Greasy Strangler” variety: the novel adaptation, which is currently included in the Netflix subscription, aims to trigger both a certain shock effect and a story about to tell an 18-year-old who is looking for support and who consciously challenges her environment.
After a very clever close-up of what looks like a butt crack and turns out to be a leg, wades the 18-year-old Helen Memel (Carla Juri) soon through fecal water in a public toilet, to finally put an ointment on the itchy hemorrhoids and inspect a disgustingly soiled toilet seat. That’s how “Wetlands” begins, and so that it’s clear at this point, we note that the book adaptation also contains various disgusting scenes about bodily fluids and openings.
›› “Wetlands” novel at Amazon*
However, the deceptive first close-up of the supposed orifice already shows: This film is not what one might expect from it, at least not just that. Just like in Charlotte Roche’s 2008 novel, all sorts of details that have to do with bodily functions are exhibited here. The associated provocation is aimed more at breaking social taboos. In addition, Charlotte Roche and director David Wnendt take their character Helen Memel seriously. The protagonist is a – thoroughly egocentric – young woman who is looking for family support and is pissed off by a society that cannot deal with its own bodies shamelessly.
In the 3.5-star DashFUN review of “Wetlands”, author Björn Becher comes to this conclusion: “David Wnendt finds the right pictures for Charlotte Roche’s ‘Wetlands’ and skilfully condenses the bestseller to 109 film minutes with only a few unnecessary things accessories. If you found the original repulsive, you might think twice about going to the movies, but if you liked the book, you’ll love the film, and everyone else should check it out, too.”
Almost ten years later, of course, “Wetlands” is no longer shown in the cinema. But thanks to a Netflix subscription, you can now take a risk-free look and – if it gets too gross for you – turn it off again at any time.
*The link to the Amazon offer is a so-called affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, we will receive a commission.
This is a re-release of an article previously published on DashFUN.
