Viewers criticise Netflix¡¯s iHostage and wonder: is it based on a true story?
The Netflix movie iHostage was released a few days ago, and now that people have watched it, reactions are mixed ¡ª with some even asking the streaming platform to add a 'do not recommend' button to its titles.
The Netflix movie iHostage dropped a few days ago, and while initial excitement was high, the reviews have been anything but glowing. Inspired by the real-life 2022 Apple Store hostage crisis in Amsterdam, the film had the potential to be a gripping watch but many viewers were left disappointed. Some are even calling on Netflix to introduce a ¡®do not recommend¡¯ button. If you're curious about what went wrong and whether the story behind iHostage is as real as it claims, here's a closer look at the audience reactions and the true events that inspired it.
Viewers review iHostage on Netflix
People flocked to the OTT platform to watch iHostage and quickly took to social media to share their reactions. While some viewers thought it was a decent watch, others felt the ending fell flat, with many saying it would have worked better as a documentary rather than a dramatised film.
One wrote, ¡°No need to say anything, it's 0/10.Better to have this as a documentary and not a movie.¡±
Another added, ¡°Please add a ¡°Do Not Recommend¡± button for movies like #IHostage. Sincerely, everyone who watched it!.¡±
Dear Netflix,
¡ª Hritish (@HritishParasar) April 19, 2025
Please add a ¡°Do Not Recommend¡± button for movies like #IHostage.
Sincerely, everyone who watched it!
iHostage on netflix is a good watch
¡ª ? (@Makute_M) April 18, 2025
This movie #iHostage was pointless
¡ª Nay ???? (@Ushld_loveme) April 18, 2025
so ihostage on netflix is basically an extended ad for apple and her products?
¡ª Otiga Alih (@OtigaAlih) April 18, 2025
A third went on to add, ¡°This movie #iHostage was pointless.¡±
iHostage true story
According to Time, the real-life hostage incident that took place in Amsterdam in 2022, involving patrons and employees of an Apple Store, served as the inspiration for the story behind iHostage. In February 2022, an armed man with two pistols and dressed in camouflage entered the Apple Store at Leidseplein. While he did take hostages, including a Bulgarian man, and four individuals hid in a closet, the majority of people inside the store managed to escape.
According to news reports at the time, the attacker demanded €200 million (?172 million) in bitcoin and safe passage out of the city upon receiving the money. After an extremely tense five-hour standoff, the situation was brought to an end because of the Bulgarian hostage.
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Iraa Paul writes for Indiatimes Entertainment section - She has equal passion for hot coffee and hot OTT content. She is a pro at suggesting movies and series to watch on the weekend or when you are having a bad day.