When It Melts

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When It Melts

2023

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Many years after a sweltering summer that spun out of control, Eva returns to the village she grew up in with an ice block in the back of her car. In the dead of winter, she confronts her past and faces up to her tormentors.

Critics Consensus

Deftly directed and powerfully acted, When It Melts is a worthy watch, but one whose steady march to a horrific conclusion makes it difficult to recommend.

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Jessica Kiang

Variety

As the story pivots back and forth between its two timelines, as though hoping one will hold the key to the other’s release, it grows oppressive, as hard to witness as a cornered bird battering itself helplessly against one window, then the next.

Feb 3, 2023

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Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

A film that makes it very clear early on that you're going to watch something horrific in the final act, and yet it doesn't make it clear why you should stick around to do so.

Feb 2, 2023

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Ed Gonzalez

Slant Magazine

When It Melts is a film that lives and dies on the games that it plays with audiences.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 22, 2023

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Anya Couture

Geek Vibes Nation

When It Melts delivers a heavy experience well despite its lack of clarity, but the voice Baetens taps into is something to look out for.

Rated: 6/10

Jul 26, 2025

Full Review

Roger Salvans

Fotogramas

... As simple as it is effective: an exercise on fatality that manages to leave an imprint that's as bitter as it's addictive. [Full review in Spanish]

Feb 9, 2024

Full Review

Santiago Alverú

Cinemanía (Spain)

A story full of regrets and without any type of redemption. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/5

Feb 7, 2024

Full Review

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David Lee K

I had pretty high hopes for "Het Smelt", because the book is truly powerful and well-written. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t live up to it at all. Where the novel is multilayered, sharp, and emotionally very gripping, the film feels rather flat and misses the essence completely. It’s clearly a missed chance to bring such a strong story to the screen.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/17/25

Full Review

matthias s

*"When It Melts"* is a hauntingly powerful film that lingers long after the credits roll. The acting is superb, with the cast delivering performances that are both raw and deeply emotional. I thought I was prepared for the heavy subject matter, but the movie still managed to break me. It delves into the darkest corners of human experience with an unflinching gaze, leaving the audience profoundly affected. Some scenes are incredibly difficult to watch, testing the viewer’s emotional limits. Yet, this is what makes the film so impactful—its ability to confront uncomfortable truths without holding back. Despite the emotional toll, I'm glad I finally watched it; though, it's not a decision I made lightly. *"When It Melts"* is Oscar-worthy material, a testament to its storytelling and the bravery of everyone involved. It's a film that impresses, disturbs, and ultimately, stays with you. Four stars.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

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Veerle Baetens

Director

Charlotte De Bruyne

Eva (adult)

Rosa Marchant

Eva (young)

Amber Metdepenningen

Tess (young)

Matthijs Meertens

Laurens (young)

Anthony Vyt

Tim (young)

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Synopsis

Many years after a sweltering summer that spun out of control, Eva returns to the village she grew up in with an ice block in the back of her car. In the dead of winter, she confronts her past and faces up to her tormentors.

Director: Veerle Baetens
Producer: Bart Van Langendonck, Ellen Havenith, Jacques-Henri Bronckart
Screenwriter: Veerle Baetens, Maarten Loix, Lize Spit
Production Co: Flanders Image, Versus Production, PRPL, Savage Film
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Dutch
Runtime: 1h 51m