'Es Geschah...' has one really big problem, in my opinion: the lead character, policeman (or, at that that time, former policeman) Matthäi takes too big risks with the little child. Up until then, he has been a brilliant and feeling (police)man, and to let the child wander off alone on several occasions - making her a sitting duck for a perverted killer - is completely out of character. Beyond that, this was a fast paced, at times very atmospheric crime thriller concerning a daring subject for its time. The use of a psychiatrist looks to be something that may have inspired Hitchcock for 'Psycho', but I'm only guessing there. The opening with the peddler makes a clear statement, reminiscent (well, the other way around, really) of 'Jagten' (2012). The use of children's drawings and fantasy is, it's been said before, a terrific idea. And finally, the creating of a bad guy like Schrott, with his all that puppet play and such, as performed by Fröbe, is eerie as you'll not much see it.
Still, I can't go any higher than a big 5 out of 10, on account of the lack of credibility beyond a certain point... such a shame.
Still, I can't go any higher than a big 5 out of 10, on account of the lack of credibility beyond a certain point... such a shame.