Netflix’s Almost Cops (original Dutch title Bad Boa’s) follows the unlikely pairing of Ramon, a by-the-book community service officer, and Jack, a hot-headed former detective, as they chase justice on the streets of Rotterdam. Directed by Gonzalo Fernandez Carmona and starring Jandino Asporaat (Ramon) and Werner Kolf (Jack), the film premiered on Netflix on July 11, 2025.
Right from the trailer, you can feel the playful energy. It’s a quirky, fast-paced buddy comedy with a distinctly Dutch flavor. The premise sounded immediately familiar (oddball pair chasing a bad guy, half-brother revenge, corruption), but I was curious about how well it could balance lighthearted fun with emotional depth. Would it lean fully into slapstick, or find a richer emotional groove? Drawing on comparisons to early 2000s cop comedies like Bad Boys or Hot Fuzz, I tuned in hoping for something fresh yet heartfelt and yes, a few unpredictable laughs.
Plot and Storyline
The core is classic buddy-cop storytelling. Ramon, ever the earnest “smurf” of a community officer, crosses paths with Jack after Jack’s partner (and Ramon’s half-brother Kevin) is murdered during a drug bust. Jack falls from grace thanks to his stubborn loyalty and is paired up with Ramon, who’s blissfully unaware of his connection to Kevin.
From there, they follow clues across Rotterdam’s underbelly including teen schemes, a corrupt mole within the force, and explosive set-piece chases, until they unearth a drug-smuggling conspiracy and face the killers head-on. The story is riddled with genre clichés such as hidden informants, prophecies, and last-minute reveals. Critics note that nearly everything feels signposted from the first five minutes. If you enjoy predictability dressed in uniforms, this will entertain you. But if you crave surprises, be prepared for something too safe and too obvious.
Read more: Kill Her Goats (2023) Review: A Bloody Throwback to 80s Slasher Horror
Characters and Performances
Jandino Asporaat as Ramon:
Asporaat is charming and earnest. His community-officer persona carries real warmth, and he delivers the film’s emotional beats with sincerity. The best moments come in scenes that let him show compassion toward teens and small gestures that give the film a bit of emotional grounding.
Werner Kolf as Jack:
As the darker foil, Kolf brings depth and restraint. His rough-around-the-edges character is familiar, but Kolf’s performance helps the film land its most important emotional arcs, including the half-brother connection and the growing camaraderie between Jack and Ramon.
Supporting Cast:
Comedic standout Ergun Simsek plays Shakir and delivers the film’s most consistent laughs with scene-stealing flair. Florence Vos Weeda, Victoria Koblenko, Juliette van Ardenne, and Teun Kuilboer round out a capable ensemble. They are solid and serviceable, though primarily in the background of the main story.
Direction and Tone
Director Gonzalo Fernandez Carmona keeps Almost Cops brisk and energetic, but the film struggles to land on a consistent tone. It veers between slapstick, light comedy, and gritty cop thriller, but never fully commits to any. This creates a somewhat confusing blend that feels busy but not entirely cohesive.
The climactic action sequences bring some cinematic flair and help boost the pacing. However, the emotional core of the film, centered on grief, redemption, and brotherhood, could have used more development. The attempt to blend silliness with seriousness results in an experience that is charming but often hollow. It’s lively and easy to watch but lacks the depth that would make it truly memorable.
Reviews and Reception
Rotten Tomatoes reflects a lukewarm reception, with critics calling the film too safe, derivative, and unfocused.
Ready Steady Cut notes the ending is predictable and the plot overly familiar.
High on Films describes it as ambient viewing that’s light but forgettable.
Whats-on-Netflix offers a more optimistic take, saying it isn’t a masterpiece but it’s fun, fast-paced, and has enough emotional payoff to satisfy casual viewers.
Common Sense Media praises the film’s compassionate portrayal of grief and its family-friendly tone, particularly for teenage audiences.
In summary, critics were mostly disappointed by the lack of originality, while audience-focused platforms appreciated the film’s easygoing charm and relatability.
Read more: Housefull 5A: A Wild Ride Aboard Bollywood’s Boldest Comedy of 2025
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time
If you’re looking for a light, breezy buddy-cop movie with likable leads and a simple story, Almost Cops is an easy pick. It’s a 95-minute film that doesn’t ask for much but gives a fair amount in return. There are some laughs, a couple of emotional moments, and a feel-good conclusion.
But if you’re in search of something groundbreaking or emotionally layered, this movie won’t deliver. The plot is highly predictable, and its tonal shifts make it feel more like a series of sketches than a tightly told story. It borrows heavily from more iconic buddy cop films without bringing much new to the table.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Warm performances, especially from Asporaat and Simsek
- Slick pacing and upbeat direction
- Light emotional center with a local Dutch twist
Cons
- Predictable plot filled with clichés
- Tonal inconsistency
- Shallow thematic exploration with little dramatic tension
Closing Thoughts
As a light and harmless Netflix movie, Almost Cops delivers just enough humor and heart to be worth a casual watch. It’s a crowd-pleaser in the most basic sense. You’ll enjoy the chemistry between the leads, the colorful Dutch backdrop, and the soft emotional moments scattered throughout.
The film earned praise from more forgiving Netflix-focused outlets, who called it quirky and entertaining. On the flip side, more critical reviewers found it too safe and forgettable to stand out in a crowded genre.
Score out of five: 2.5 out of 5
For what it is, Almost Cops is a cheerful buddy-cop flick with no real surprises, but enough charm to enjoy on a relaxed weekend evening.
Bottom line: Almost Cops isn’t trying to reinvent the genre. But if you’re after a no-stress, easygoing comedy with a touch of heart and Dutch flair, it’s a perfectly pleasant choice for your next Netflix session.