“Almost Cops” Is Chaotic, Clumsy & Surprisingly Charming – Netflix’s Dutch Buddy Comedy Packs Heart Beneath the Humour

Plot Breakdown – When Opposites Collide, Chaos Ensues

Set in the vibrant yet gritty streets of Rotterdam, Almost Cops follows Ramon (Jandino Asporaat), a rule-abiding community officer with dreams of becoming a local hero. His world is upended when he’s forced to team up with Jack (Werner Kolf), a reckless ex-detective demoted after a botched investigation.

Their personalities clash instantly:

• Ramon is methodical, cautious, and deeply committed to his neighborhood.
• Jack is impulsive, jaded, and allergic to protocol.

But beneath their bickering lies a shared trauma—both have lost loved ones to unsolved murders. As they investigate a new case that eerily echoes their past, the duo uncovers secrets that challenge their assumptions and force them to confront their grief.

The film’s tone oscillates between absurd comedy and poignant drama, offering:

• High-energy chase scenes through Dutch alleyways
• Awkward locker room confrontations
• Emotional flashbacks that deepen character arcs

“It’s like Lethal Weapon met The Intouchables in a Dutch alley,” one reviewer quipped.

Cast Chemistry – The Heart Behind the Humor

The film’s success hinges on the dynamic between its leads:

• Jandino Asporaat brings warmth and comic timing to Ramon, making him instantly likable.
• Werner Kolf plays Jack with a brooding intensity that slowly melts into reluctant camaraderie.

Supporting cast includes:

• Florence Vos Weeda as Dilan, a forensic analyst with a dry wit
• Ferdi Stofmeel as Bruno, the precinct’s lovable oddball
• Ergun Simsek as Shakir, a local informant with questionable loyalties
• Mark Rietman as the antagonist, Richard van der Vloed

The ensemble delivers a mix of seasoned Dutch talent and fresh faces, adding texture to the film’s emotional beats and comedic rhythm.

Director Gonzalo Fernández Carmona balances slapstick with sincerity, using Rotterdam’s urban landscape as both playground and pressure cooker. The cinematography captures:

• Gritty realism in daytime patrols
• Neon-lit chaos during night stakeouts
• Intimate moments in quiet corners of grief

Themes & Reception – More Than Just Laughs

While Almost Cops is marketed as a comedy, its emotional core elevates it beyond genre tropes. The film explores:

• Grief and healing through shared trauma
• Trust and redemption in unlikely partnerships
• Justice vs. vengeance in morally gray investigations

Critics have noted its ability to balance humor with heart:

• “A buddy cop film with actual emotional stakes.”
• “Asporaat and Kolf are the odd couple we didn’t know we needed.”
• “Rotterdam has never looked so chaotic—or so human.”

Audience reactions have been mixed on pacing, with some finding the emotional detours a bit heavy for a comedy. But most agree: Almost Cops is a refreshing take on a tired formula.

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