Dutch film let viewers decide where plot goes

Paul Verhoeven (“Basic Instinct,” “Elle”) directed this 2012 film, but it was too short for a theatrical release in the United States, so it has barely been seen.

“Tricked” was made in an unusual way. The first seven minutes were posted online, and viewers were invited to fill in the rest of the story. Verhoeven and his writers then crafted the rest of the film using viewers’ suggestions. The result is a 55minute movie in which something consequential happens about every five minutes.

It revolves around a cheating husband, his young mistress, a pregnant woman and a shady business deal. Filmed in the Netherlands, in Dutch, it features impressive comic performances from Ricky Koole and rising star Gaite Jansen. I’ve seen it at least a half dozen times, and I’ve shown it in film classes, where it’s always a big favorite.

“Tricked”:

Streaming on Vudu, YouTube, Google and Mubi.

Kino Lorber