Unlike many World War II films on Netflix, Wil (2023) by Tim Mielants takes a slightly different approach but still delivers an intense experience. The streaming platform would benefit from pushing such films to a broader audience.
This war drama brings together striking visuals, an outstanding cast, suspense, unexpected twists, and even a brief romance. War dramas like this have become rare these days. An interesting directorial choice was the use of a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which enhances the intensity of close-ups.
A tense encounter with a lone soldier raises unsettling questions (Photo: Wil/Lecter Scripted Media, Menuetto Film, Minds Meet)It reveals the characters’ raw emotions, making them even more vivid. The story begins with Wilfred Wils joining the Antwerp Police Department in Belgium, and receiving instructions from his superior, Officer Jean.
Later that night, Wilfred patrols the streets alongside another officer, Lode, when they encounter a German soldier named Feldgendarm. The soldier informs them that they must assist in arresting Jewish individuals accused of refusing work under Hitler’s orders.
However, before carrying out the task, Feldgendarm requires local police officers to accompany him. Something feels off to Wilfred when he notices that the German soldier is alone. Standard surveillance protocol dictates that German officers must patrol in pairs, so the situation raises suspicion.
Yet, neither Wilfred nor Lode is in a position to defy a direct order. From a distance, Officer Jean watches the scene reveal but does nothing to intervene. Left with no choice, Wilfred and Lode follow Feldgendarm and eventually find themselves knocking on the door of a Jewish family.
What Happens to the German Soldier?
An elderly Jewish man answers the door, and Feldgendarm orders him to come along. Instead of complying immediately, the man invites him inside, subtly offering a bribe. The German soldier instructs Wilfred and Lode to stand guard at the door to prevent anyone from leaving.
Moments later, a woman carrying a child attempts to flee, and the young officers allow her to pass. She drops her child off at a neighbor’s house before returning, but soon after, the neighbor regretfully forces the little girl back outside.
Despite Lode’s attempt to stop her, the child rushes back to her mother. Feldgendarm arrives, detains all three, and prepares to take them away. On the way, the soldier accidentally drops a bottle of pills while the woman seizes the opportunity to escape with her daughter.
Feldgendarm fires his gun at them but misses, prompting him to chase after them. He eventually catches up and begins beating the woman. Unable to stand by any longer, Wilfred and Lode step in. When Feldgendarm turns his weapon toward Lode, Wilfred instinctively reacts, striking the soldier’s head against an iron rod.
Feldgendarm dies instantly, and the two officers hastily dispose of his body in a manhole before returning home in a state of shock. Their families are stunned by their battered appearances, but they react differently.
Wilfred’s parents seek assistance from Chaim Litzke, while Lode’s family becomes suspicious and begins closely monitoring Wilfred’s every move.
How Does Yvette Help Wil and Lode?
As time passes, Wilfred gradually realizes the gravity of what he has done. The following day, Gregor Schnabel, a high-ranking German officer, takes charge of investigating the soldier’s disappearance.
Wilfred attempts to show Chaim Litzke the location of Feldgendarm’s body, but to his surprise, it is no longer there. Meanwhile, Lode becomes aware that his family—especially his sister, Yvette—has lost trust in Wilfred and might turn him in.
Seeking to strengthen their alliance, Lode invites Wilfred to dinner, where he encourages a connection between him and Yvette. This newfound partnership becomes crucial as they begin gathering and sharing information, ensuring they have a backup plan if things take a turn for the worse.
Eventually, it is revealed that Wilfred has been hiding the Jewish family from that night in a concealed room within Chaim’s house. Lode also discloses that it was his family who secretly disposed of the German soldier’s body.
Recognizing Wilfred’s dedication to protecting Jewish lives, Yvette and Lode welcome him into the resistance. Together, they investigate Chaim’s records to uncover upcoming German raids and warn Jewish families.
Their efforts result in several successful rescues, and along the way, Wilfred and Yvette develop a romantic bond. During a social gathering, Wilfred spots Gregor seated beside his aunt, which unsettles him.
Having already witnessed Gregor’s ruthless nature, Wilfred knows the officer will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind Feldgendarm’s disappearance.
How Does Gregor Find Feldgendarm’s Body?
At the gathering, Gregor manipulates Wilfred into excessive drinking, leaving him vulnerable. In his intoxicated state, Wilfred becomes careless, almost revealing too much information about the location of the missing soldier’s body. Though he isn’t shouting, Yvette fears that his words might give them away.
Her concerns prove valid the next day when German forces recover Feldgendarm’s body. Gregor later confronts Wilfred, informing him that he has obtained the list of Jewish individuals Feldgendarm was meant to arrest that night.
He intends to track them down immediately, supposedly to find the soldier’s killer. However, Gregor already knows who committed the act. His real objective is not to capture Wilfred but to dismantle the entire resistance movement.
In a deceptive move, he even murders Officer Jean, ensuring that Wilfred and Lode remain under his control. Chaim soon discovers the Jewish family hiding nearby and demands that Wilfred execute them to prove his loyalty.
Just as the situation reaches a breaking point, the woman lunges at Chaim and kills him with a sharp object. Wilfred, Yvette, and Lode work together to forge fake passports in an attempt to relocate the family to safety.
Tragically, their efforts fail, and the family is captured and executed by Gregor’s men. The leader of the resistance is also caught, exposing Wilfred, Lode, and Yvette’s involvement in protecting the Jewish people.
Is Wil Able to Save Yvette?
Gregor devises a scheme that offers Wilfred and his friends an escape route on the same night he orders the mass arrest of Jewish individuals in a specific location. This is not an act of generosity but rather a cruel test of loyalty—if they wish to survive, they must betray those they fought to protect.
Shadows of World War II come alive in this chilling tale (Photo: Wil/Lecter Scripted Media, Menuetto Film, Minds Meet)Wilfred quickly realizes Yvette’s determination to resist, so he deliberately provides her with the wrong location of the raid, ensuring she leads the resistance away from danger. Meanwhile, he convinces Lode to remain by his side, knowing that their survival depends on playing along with Gregor’s orders.
Believing she is safe, Wilfred watches from a distance as Jewish families are rounded up. However, his heart sinks when he spots Yvette in the area, attempting to escape. Realizing she is outnumbered and has no chance of fighting back, she chooses to end her suffering on her terms.
Without hesitation, she steps in front of a speeding train, leaving Wilfred to witness her tragic death. At that moment, history is the last thing on Wilfred’s mind. His only concern is surviving the night alongside Lode.
While he fails to save Yvette, he has already seen enough brutality to understand that getting killed is not an option. The war has divided people into two categories—those remembered as cowards and those honored as martyrs. Yvette’s name will be celebrated, while Wilfred’s fate remains uncertain.
