Hanna van Vliet
Anne
Overview
Just before Anne is moving from Amsterdam to live with her great love Sara in Montreal, her publisher criticizes the manuscript for her first novel. What exactly is the story she's trying to tell? Does she even have something to say at all? Anne is forced to search for what she wants in life, because it is not only the main character in her novel who seems to be a little lost.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Quiet Crisis of Almost-Adulthood
I’ve been thinking about the way Amsterdam looks in Anne+: The Film—not the postcard version, but the one that feels lived in. The canals are there, sure, but so are the half-empty bike racks and the way the light slants through apartment windows at 3 p.m., turning everything a little gray. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t judge you for lingering in a café too long, because everyone else is doing the same.
That’s where we find Anne (Hanna van Vliet), a woman on the cusp of something—moving to Montreal, publishing her first novel, maybe even figuring out who she is. But the film isn’t interested in the big moments. It’s about the way those moments almost happen, and what that does to a person.
Valerie Bisscheroux, who also created the Anne+ series, has a knack for making small spaces feel intimate without ever feeling claustrophobic. The film unfolds mostly in Anne’s apartment, a few cafés, and the occasional park bench—places where people go to think, or avoid thinking. There’s a scene early on where Anne reads her publisher’s notes on her manuscript, and the camera lingers on her face as she processes the criticism.
It’s not a dramatic moment. She doesn’t cry or throw things. She just exhales, long and slow, like someone who’s been holding their breath for years.
That’s the film’s rhythm: quiet, observational, with the occasional jolt of something sharper beneath the surface.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 5.8/10
"A modest Dutch drama that resonates more for its emotional sincerity than its narrative depth."
Viewers appreciate the film’s heartfelt portrayal of relationships and identity, particularly the lead performance by Hanna van Vliet. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the story’s pacing and lack of standout moments leave some feeling underwhelmed, describing it as a low-key but forgettable experience.
What viewers praise
- Heartfelt performances Hanna van Vliet’s portrayal of Anne is widely praised for its emotional authenticity and relatability.
- Sincere storytelling The film’s focus on personal growth and relationships is noted for its genuine and unforced approach.
Common complaints
- Slow pacing Several viewers found the film’s pace too leisurely, making it feel drawn-out in parts.
- Lacks memorability Despite its sincerity, the story doesn’t leave a strong or lasting impression, with some calling it forgettable.
Recommended for
Fans of quiet character dramas Dutch indie film enthusiasts LGBTQ+ relationship stories
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsFrom Small Screen to Big: The Journey of Anne+: The Film
The Dutch LGBTQ+ drama Anne+ first won hearts as a web series, but its leap to the big screen in Anne+: The Film (2021) was no simple sequel—it was a full-circle moment for its creators and cast. Directed by Valerie Bisscheroux, the film expands the story of Anne Verbeek (Hanna van Vliet), a young woman navigating love, identity, and adulthood in Amsterdam. While the original series built a loyal following, the film’s production came with its own set of challenges, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes revelations.
A Long-Awaited Expansion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMfNU2t3JuE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoTwvAeUjNo
Fans of the Anne+ series had reason to celebrate when news broke that a feature film was in the works. YouTube clips from 2020 and 2021 show the cast and crew hyping the project, with one video titled "ANNE+ GETS A FEATURE FILM!!!!!" capturing the excitement . Another Netflix-backed clip, "ANNE+ speelfilm in de maak," teased the film’s development as "dubbel goed nieuws" (double good news) for fans, suggesting the movie would deepen the storylines introduced in the series . The film’s runtime—94 minutes—hints at a tighter, more cinematic approach compared to the episodic format 
.
Behind the Scenes: Drag, Intimacy, and Creative Risks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Behc2m-54p4
One of the film’s standout elements is its unflinching portrayal of queer intimacy and drag culture. A Netflix Shot By Shot breakdown features the cast and crew discussing the challenges of filming these scenes, including the physical and emotional demands on actors like Thorn Roos de Vries, who plays a key role in the film’s drag storyline . The conversation reveals how the team approached these moments with care, balancing authenticity with the practicalities of production. While the snippet doesn’t dive into specifics, it’s clear the film pushed boundaries in representation—something the Anne+ series was already known for.
Hanna van Vliet, who co-created the original series and stars as Anne, has been vocal about the project’s personal significance. In a snippet from Grokipedia, she’s described as the "lead character Anne Verbeek," a role that mirrors her own journey as a creator and LGBTQ+ advocate . Though the evidence doesn’t confirm whether she had a direct hand in the film’s script, her involvement in the series’ development suggests she played a pivotal role in shaping the film’s tone.
Reception and Legacy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4IJxxtKM4c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB8cqOaqAs8
Critically, Anne+: The Film landed with mixed but passionate reactions. On SensCritique, it holds a 5.8/10 rating based on 192 votes, a modest score that reflects its niche appeal . Rotten Tomatoes lists the film but doesn’t provide a critic or audience score in the snippet, leaving its reception somewhat opaque . What’s undeniable, however, is the film’s cultural impact. Trailers for the movie—including an official 2022 trailer and a Berlinale promo—highlight its vibrant aesthetic and emotional depth, positioning it as a love letter to Amsterdam’s queer community .
The film’s premiere at the Berlinale as part of the European Shooting Stars program further cemented its status as a standout Dutch production . While the evidence doesn’t confirm box office numbers or awards, the buzz around its festival run suggests it found an audience beyond the series’ original fanbase.
What’s Next?
With the film’s release, Anne+ completed its transition from web series to cinematic story. The evidence doesn’t hint at future sequels or spin-offs, but the project’s success in expanding its world leaves the door open for more. For now, Anne+: The Film stands as a testament to the power of queer storytelling—one that didn’t just adapt its source material but elevated it.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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