The Vanishing

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The Vanishing

Released Oct 10, 1990

1h 46m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Rex (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia (Johanna Ter Steege) are enjoying a biking holiday in France when, stopping at a gas station, Saskia disappears. Confounded, Rex searches everywhere, but to no avail. Three years later, he's still obsessed with finding her, pleading his case on television, putting up posters and ruining his new relationship in the process. Eventually an unassuming chemistry teacher, Raymond (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu), approaches Rex, intimating that he knows what happened.

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Critics Consensus

A clinical, maddening descent into the mind of a serial killer and a slowly unraveling hero, culminating with one of the scariest endings of all time.

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

Sluizer isn't among the more original stylists, but the literalness of his direction suffices to evoke the horrific and monstrous possibilities lurking behind the façades of ordinary life.

Oct 30, 2020

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Christy Lemire

ChristyLemire.com

It's an elegant, riveting piece of filmmaking.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 20, 2018

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Michael Wilmington

Los Angeles Times

The appalling, horrific climax of The Vanishing will haunt your mind long after this film is over.

Oct 19, 2016

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Sarah Boslaugh

TheArtsStl

Saskia has about eight minutes of screen time total but creates an indelible impression during that limited exposure.

Rated: 8/10

Mar 8, 2025

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

A film that is literally blood chilling. [Full review in Spanish]

Aug 4, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

The ending itself fulfills its pledge as one of the most terrifying films ever made – and it’s done without any blood spilled.

Feb 22, 2023

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Chris O

I think if I would have seen this when I was young I would have liked it more. I don't want to say any more without spoiling it. Let's just say it takes a lot more to surprise me now.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/08/25

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Patrick C

I've just watched this deeply unnerving film for the first time in many years and it is every bit as good as I remember it being. Won't write too much as this is one example where spoilers really do matter! A must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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Al B

This is a difficult film to review, as the less said about it, the more you will appreciate it. I will say two things. Get the DVD, and watch it with English subtitles. You need to see everything that is being said. Do not read any reviews about this film, before watching it. I cannot stress this enough. The film is quite short, and I would recommend you watch it in one sitting. Don’t have anything you need to do after the film. You will need time to process it. This film tackles a familiar subject in unique ways. Happy viewing. 😎

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/25

Full Review

Marc C

The script was at a whoooole other level from most and the actors embraced it. If you really focus, the brilliance of the antagonist is phenomenal. Great movie, even though I needed subtitles

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Audience Member

The truth will never set you free.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

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João Gabriel R

história: 8 atuação: 8,5 fotografia: 8,5 som: 8 final: 9,5 média: 8,5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

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George Sluizer

Director

Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu

Raymond Lemorne

Gene Bervoets

Rex Hofman

Johanna ter Steege

Saskia Wagter

Gwen Eckhaus

Lieneke

Anne Gordon

Producer

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Synopsis

Rex (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia (Johanna Ter Steege) are enjoying a biking holiday in France when, stopping at a gas station, Saskia disappears. Confounded, Rex searches everywhere, but to no avail. Three years later, he's still obsessed with finding her, pleading his case on television, putting up posters and ruining his new relationship in the process. Eventually an unassuming chemistry teacher, Raymond (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu), approaches Rex, intimating that he knows what happened.

Director: George Sluizer
Producer: Anne Gordon, George Sluizer
Screenwriter: Tim Krabbé, George Sluizer
Production Co: Argos Films
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Dutch
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 10, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 25, 2017
Runtime: 1h 46m

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