Is Totem Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Totem is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Totem Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2022, Totem emerges as a significant entry in the Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ama, the daughter of Senegalese asylum seekers, feels completely Dutch. Unlike standard genre fare, Totem attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Sander Burger, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Family elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Totem features a noteworthy lineup led by Lies Visschedijk. Supported by the likes of Ole van Hoogdalem and Amani-Jean Philippe, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Lies Visschedijk, Ole van Hoogdalem, Amani-Jean Philippe manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2022 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Family space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Totem is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Totem follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 93 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Totem resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Family landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Totem is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Ama, the daughter of Senegalese asylum seekers, feels completely Dutch. When Ama's mother and brother are arrested, Ama sets off in search of her father through Rotterdam in the middle of winter, hoping to avoid deportation. During this frightening and exciting journey, she discovers her roots, thanks in part to her extraordinary totem animal: a gigantic porcupine.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Totem (2022) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Family categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Lies Visschedijk, Ole van Hoogdalem, Amani-Jean Philippe or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Totem is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2022. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Totem Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Kinderwelt Amazon Channel
Made in Europe Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
maxdome Store🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play Moviesmaxdome StoreParents Guide & Age Rating
Totem has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Totem stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2022 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Totem movie hit or flop?
Totem is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Totem worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Totem may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Totem online?
Totem is currently available for streaming on Kinderwelt Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Kinderwelt Amazon Channel, Made in Europe Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Ama, the daughter of Senegalese asylum seekers, feels completely Dutch. When Ama's mother and brother are arrested, Ama sets off in search of her father through Rotterdam in the middle of winter, hoping to avoid deportation. During this frightening and exciting journey, she discovers her roots, thanks in part to her extraordinary totem animal: a gigantic porcupine.