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Synopsis
Actress M. (Maike Meijer) hits a brutal triple whammy: menopause symptoms intensify, her long-running role on a popular crime series is abruptly written out, and her teenage son (Matti Stooker) treats her with indifferent disdain. Her sex life has flatlined, and the industry seems to have moved on. Rather than fade away, M. embarks on a messy, often humiliating quest to reinvent herself — professionally, sexually, and maternally — proving she still has a future worth fighting for.
Along the way she leans on her sharp-tongued best friend Marieke (Bianca Krijgsman) and navigates awkward encounters with a younger director (Bas Hoeflaak) and a no-nonsense therapist (Hadewych Minis). The film follows her attempts to write a one-woman show, dip back into dating, and bridge the chasm with her son — all while Dutch society's blunt humor underscores every misstep.
Wen er maar aan Review: A Dutch Comedy Navigating Menopause and Midlife Crisis
Wen er maar aan arrives as a modest Dutch comedy centered on an actress confronting menopause, career displacement, and a stagnant personal life — all within a tight 90-minute runtime. Writer-director Albert Jan van Rees and star Maike Meijer (who also penned the script) collaborate on a premise that feels both timely and intimately specific, yet the film's ultimate success hinges on a tonal balancing act that remains unproven in early reception.
Direction and Script
Van Rees keeps the pace brisk, avoiding the bloat that often plagues midlife-crisis narratives. The screenplay, credited solely to Meijer, suggests a personal investment that could yield sharp, lived-in dialogue — or veer into self-indulgent navel-gazing. Without a track record of widely seen features from van Rees, it's difficult to gauge whether the comedic beats land with precision or rely on broad Dutch sitcom tropes. The certification "6" hints at mild adult content, likely language and sexual references, but nothing that would alienate a mainstream European audience.
Performances
Meijer carries the film as M., a role written for her own rhythms; her comfort with the material is evident in the trailer's fleeting moments. The supporting ensemble — Bas Hoeflaak, Matti Stooker, Bianca Krijgsman as Marieke, and Hadewych Minis — offers solid Dutch character-actor credibility. Krijgsman and Minis in particular have the range to elevate thin side characters into memorable foils. However, the teenage son subplot (Stooker) risks feeling like a generic "apathetic youth" placeholder unless the script grants him surprising depth.
Who Will Enjoy It
Viewers who appreciate low-stakes, character-driven European comedies — think Gloria Bell meets a lighter Toni Erdmann — may find warmth here. Those expecting high-concept laughs or a polished Netflix-style rom-com will likely be underwhelmed. The film's niche appeal (Dutch-language, menopause-focused, mid-budget) means it will live or die on word-of-mouth in its home territory before any international streaming pickup.
Pros
- Authentic, rarely centered premise (menopause + actress career crisis)
- Maike Meijer's triple-threat involvement suggests personal conviction
- Concise 90-minute runtime respects the viewer's time
- Strong Dutch supporting cast (Krijgsman, Minis) elevates material
- Timely themes of ageism and female reinvention
Cons
- Director Albert Jan van Rees lacks a proven feature track record
- Tonal balance between cringe comedy and heartfelt drama is untested
- Teenage son subplot may rely on clichés
- Niche Dutch-language appeal limits immediate global accessibility
- Marketing overview promises more emotional payoff than 90 minutes may deliver
Verdict
Wen er maar aan has the ingredients for a relatable, bittersweet comedy but remains an unknown quantity until audiences weigh in. If Meijer's script matches her performance, it could be a quiet gem; if not, it risks becoming a well-intentioned but forgettable midlife montage.
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Frequently Asked
Is Wen er maar aan worth watching?
If you enjoy character-driven European comedies about women navigating midlife, it's worth a watch — but temper expectations until audience reactions clarify the execution.
What is Wen er maar aan about?
An actress facing menopause, job loss, a distant son, and a nonexistent sex life tries to reinvent herself personally and professionally in this Dutch comedy.
Is Wen er maar aan suitable for kids?
The film carries a '6' certification (roughly PG-13), suggesting mild adult language and sexual references; not appropriate for young children.
Where can I watch Wen er maar aan?
As a 2026 Dutch theatrical release, it will debut in Netherlands cinemas first; streaming availability (likely on a Dutch platform like Videoland or Netflix NL) typically follows months later.
Who stars in Wen er maar aan?
Maike Meijer leads as M., supported by Bas Hoeflaak, Matti Stooker, Bianca Krijgsman (as Marieke), and Hadewych Minis.
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