Zondag De Negenste
A Belgian drama starring Josse De Pauw and Peter Van Den Begin as two brothers who have long been at odds with one another. The world-weary Horst suffers from Alzheimer’s; his brother Franz hopes to get his hands on the inheritance.
After many years, Horst, who lives in a care home for people with dementia, receives another visit from his brother Franz. Horst has lost his zest for life and is finding it increasingly difficult to hold on to his memories. Franz, on the other hand, knows exactly why he has come: he is hoping for a fine inheritance. When Andrea, Horst’s great love, also reappears, old wounds are laid bare and old passions are rekindled.
What makes the film special is that it was filmed in a real care home where residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s play themselves. The line between fiction and reality blurs when the real residents appear on screen. Their words, memories and emotions become part of the story. In this way, Zondag De Negenste also becomes a heartfelt plea to continue seeing the person behind the dementia. We are reminded that behind every fragile memory lies a rich life. Caring for one another is perhaps the most essential form of humanity, whether we still remember what happened on Sunday the Ninth or not.
Written by WR