Netflix is set to release iHostage, a tense crime drama based on the 2022 Apple Store hostage situation in Amsterdam. The series brings viewers into a five-hour standoff that shocked the city and made headlines across the globe.
The crisis began when an armed man stormed the store, took a customer hostage, and demanded $230 million in cryptocurrency. He also fired at police and wore what appeared to be a bomb vest. Authorities later confirmed the explosives were fake, but the threat felt all too real.
A Brave Move Ends the Standoff
The hostage made a split-second decision that changed everything. As police distracted the gunman, the hostage suddenly sprinted for safety. Officers reacted quickly, hitting the suspect with a police vehicle.
Emergency crews rushed the man to the hospital, but he died from his injuries. During the rescue, police freed about 70 people from the store. Four employees had stayed hidden in a closet for hours until the situation ended.
Dutch officials praised the hostage’s bravery, saying his actions helped prevent further bloodshed.
A Multi-Perspective Storytelling Approach
iHostage retells the event from several points of view. The story follows the hostage, the gunman, police negotiators, and first responders. This approach aims to show how fear, pressure, and quick decisions shaped the outcome.
Director Bobby Boermans and screenwriter Simon de Waal lead the project, produced by Horizon Film. The film debuts globally on Netflix on April 18.
Netflix Adds Another True Crime Drama
iHostage joins Netflix’s growing lineup of dramatized true crime content. With its fast pace, emotional weight, and real-world roots, the film offers more than just entertainment. It gives viewers a close look at courage, chaos, and survival under pressure.
