HEIN review by Arjan Welles – Serietotaal Magazine – November 9, 2024
HEIN – This high-quality Dutch youth series is far from dead.
An engaging mix of drama, comedy, and a touch of scary, featuring a range of great Dutch actors.
Director: Anne van der Heide | Cast: Brandon River Coene (Hein), Benja Bruijning (Menno), Bert Luppus (Johannes), Eva Laurenssen (Terrence), Luca Oedairam (Jordi), Lola May Nijhuis (Dewie), e.a. | Episodes: 8 | Duration: 24-26 minuten | Year: 2024
Death is so inextricably linked to life that, strangely enough, we prefer not to think about it. Often, when we lose a loved one, we focus mainly on our own feelings and sense of loss. However, the impact that death can have on the surviving relatives, and the many practical matters that need to be arranged after a death, was brilliantly showcased in the exceptional Six Feet Under. One of the best drama series ever, it explored the inevitable from various emotional perspectives.
Adults themselves tend to become quite anxious and tense when it comes to death, but explaining it to children seems even more complicated. Euphemisms are often used when we have to tell our kids that grandma is no longer with us or that daddy won’t be waking up. Why is that? Of course, there’s the lack of imagination and comprehension in very young children, but from around the age of seven or eight, a child is perfectly capable of understanding death.
Youth series on this topic are rare. However, Hein, the eight-part series from the creators of Brammetje Baasand Floor Rules!, shows that death isn’t something to fear, and that it’s not always easy to accept for the deceased either. The series cleverly combines drama, light comedy, and a supernatural twist, all wrapped in an irresistible feel-good factor.
At the heart is eleven-year-old Hein, who has a strained relationship with his father, Menno. They hardly see each other because Menno is too busy developing and selling a virtual reality headset. When Hein’s grandfather, whom he barely knows, falls ill, Menno drags Hein along to his grandfather’s domain during the summer. Grandfather Johannes runs a cemetery. When musical Dewi’s grandmother passes away, Hein discovers that he has the ability to see spirits. But only those spirits who still have something to resolve before they can find eternal rest.
The concept of the series, written by Martijn Hillenius and directed by Anna van der Heide, is clever and engaging. In addition to the main theme, where Hein gradually grows closer to his father and grandfather, each episode also features a self-contained story. Whether it’s a fried food vendor who chokes on his own baked goods or a tough motorcyclist who is taken out by one of his own gang members – each of them burdens Hein with the task of figuring out what happened or helping them resolve unfinished business before they can rest.
The series features a range of big names, from Frank Lammers to Pierre Bokma, and from Martijn Fischer to Georgina Verbaan. Hillenius’ greatest achievement is that he doesn’t underestimate his young audience. For example, it’s perfectly fine that one of the gang members has secret feelings for the murdered leader. Much-needed diversity is woven so skillfully into the storylines that it never feels forced. After all, this is 2024.
There is often criticism that no high-quality youth productions are made in our own country anymore. Heinproves the opposite. While the child actors may not all be equally skilled – with lead actor Brandon River Coene being far too wise for his age – this is never a problem. In addition, Dertigers actress Eva Laurenssen, playing opposite Benja Bruijning, provides an appealing presence.
Hein was filmed at various cemeteries, with the General Cemetery in Baarn serving as the main entrance. The VPRO series premiered at the recent edition of Cinekid and is currently limited to one season. It would be a sin if that’s all there is!