Netflix Debuts Dutch Action-Comedy ‘Almost Cops’

The Dutch action-comedy Almost Cops has premiered on the Netflix streaming service, blending crime, mystery, and thriller elements within a buddy-cop format set in Rotterdam. The film’s original title, Bad Boa’s, holds a specific cultural meaning in the Netherlands that informs the premise. A “Boa,” or Buitengewoon Opsporingsambtenaar, is a Special Investigating Officer with limited police powers, tasked with handling minor infractions to support the primary police force. These officers can issue fines, check identification, and make arrests, with some authorized to carry handcuffs and batons. The title Almost Cops, chosen for the international release, directly plays on this distinction.

Almost Cops

A Strategic Pairing of Dutch Stars

The film’s dynamic is anchored by the deliberate casting of its two leads, whose public personas in the Netherlands create an immediate and clear contrast. Jandino Asporaat, one of the country’s most recognized comedians, stars as Ramon, an earnest and dedicated Boa trying to clean up his neighborhood. Asporaat, originally from Curaçao, is a prolific actor, writer, and producer, best known for the successful Bon Bini Holland film franchise in which he portrays multiple characters.

Playing opposite him is Werner Kolf as Jack, a reckless ex-detective demoted to Ramon’s team after an incident. Kolf is an established actor known for his work in serious Dutch crime dramas and thrillers, including Wolf, Gangsta, and the series Commandos. This casting choice immediately defines the central odd-couple conflict for the domestic audience, pitting a beloved comedian against a seasoned dramatic actor.

From Friction to a Unified Mission

While the narrative begins with the comedic friction of a mismatched partnership, it pivots on a dramatic revelation. The two officers discover they are connected by a shared personal tragedy: both have lost a loved one who was murdered. This common ground transforms their professional antagonism into a personal quest for justice. As they become a unified team, their investigation uncovers unexpected secrets, bringing them closer to the perpetrator responsible for their shared grief.

The Production Powerhouse

Almost Cops is directed by Gonzalo Fernández Carmona, whose work includes the TV film Tom Adelaar and several short films. The film is backed by a significant production collaboration. Jandino Asporaat serves not only as the lead but also as a key creative force through his production company, Het Huis van Asporaat (“The House of Asporaat”), which he runs with his brother, Kenneth Asporaat, who is also a writer and producer on the film.

The film is also produced by Huntu Productions, a joint venture between Het Huis van Asporaat and the prominent Amsterdam-based studio Kaap Holland Film. Huntu Productions was established to develop and produce inclusive comedy and drama for a mainstream audience. Kaap Holland Film has a history of both domestic hits and involvement in major international co-productions, such as Dunkirk. The screenplay was written by Joost Reijmers, Thomas van der Ree, and Kenneth Asporaat.

Supporting Ensemble and Film Details

The lead actors are supported by a large ensemble of Dutch talent, including Florence Vos Weeda, Ferdi Stofmeel, Ergun Simsek, Juliette van Ardenne, Stephanie van Eer, Rian Gerritsen, Romana Vrede, Teun Kuilboer, and Mark Rietman. Also appearing are Victoria Koblenko, Daniel Kolf, Yannick Jozefzoon, Nazmye Oral, Steef Cuijpers, Phi Nguyen, Richard Groenendijk, and Boyd Grund. The film is presented in the Dutch language with a running time of 95 minutes and has a 16+ age certification. The cinematography is by Gregg Telussa, with music by Michiel Marsman.

The film was released on Netflix on July 11, 2025.