Picture: Netflix
Dutch content on Netflix often falls into two categories: romance or comedy, occasionally interrupted by a solid thriller (for example, iHostage). Bad Boa’s, or Almost Cops as it’s now known on Netflix, is the latest entry from actor and comedian Jandino Asporaat, is a fresh and surprisingly enjoyable addition to the ever-growing Dutch Netflix catalog. It finally breaks away from the hysterical, over-the-top, shouty humor we saw recently in the series Football Parents.
At its core, this film is unmistakably Dutch. The central concept revolves around a BOA, short for “Buitengewoon Opsporingsambtenaar”, a uniquely Dutch type of law enforcement officer. Some countries may have similar figures, such as “wardens” or “community support officers,” but in essence, BOAs are not full-fledged police officers. Still, they do have official powers: they can issue fines, enforce public order, and correct public behavior. In other words, they’re almost cops, which explains the film’s international title.
We follow Ramon (Asporaat), a well-meaning and slightly naïve BOA who takes his job extremely seriously. He hands out fines for dog poop, tries to keep unruly teenagers in line, and does it all with an earnest sense of duty. The problem? No one takes him seriously. That begins to change when his brother Kevin, a real police detective, is killed while investigating a drug trafficking ring in the port of Rotterdam.
That’s where Jack (Werner Kolf) comes in: a grizzled, hot-headed detective who has been demoted to BOA duty due to misconduct. To make things worse, he is assigned as Ramon’s new partner, without Ramon knowing that Jack used to work with his late brother. What follows is a classic buddy-cop setup. One plays by the book, the other couldn’t care less. It’s a familiar formula, but it still works.
While most BOAs deal with dog poop and parking tickets, Ramon and Jack soon find themselves knee-deep in a major criminal investigation. They clash with actual (and corrupt) police officers, stumble into the Rotterdam underworld, and repeatedly test the limits of their limited legal authority. Naturally, this leads to disaster. These moments of chaos are where the film really shines.
Bad Boa’s (Almost Cops) – Picture: Netflix
Absurd, Silly, and Surprisingly Charming
The humor is sometimes absurd, with scenes like a hostage-taker demanding, “A chopper to the Bahamas, a new nose, and a new girlfriend.” Or a crime scene where the only evidence is a shopping list featuring detergent and chicken breast. It’s ridiculous, and the film knows it. That self-awareness is what makes it genuinely fun.
Yet beyond the jokes, Almost Cops offers more than just slapstick. Beneath the farce lies a story about brotherhood, grief, and a sincere quest for justice. Ramon wants to honor his brother’s memory, and despite his bumbling nature, he does so with real heart. That emotional core adds an unexpected layer of depth. Some references may go over the heads of international viewers, but the film’s energy and physical comedy are universally accessible. You don’t need to understand Dutch bureaucracy to laugh at bureaucratic mayhem.
A Cast That Brings the Fun
The cast is another highlight. Jandino Asporaat, for once, dials back his usual over-the-top personas and delivers a performance filled with warmth and awkward charm. Werner Kolf is excellent as the gruff, no-nonsense counterpart. Together, they strike a believable and often hilarious balance.
Ergun Simsek also deserves mention as Shakir, a fellow BOA who steals nearly every scene he is in with impeccable comedic timing. Juliette van Ardenne, Florence Vos Weeda, Stephanie van Eer, and Ferdi Stofmeel round out a colorful team of BOAs you genuinely grow to like. On the police side, Victoria Koblenko, Teun Kuilboer, and Romana Vrede provide solid support. The rest of the cast, especially the criminals, leave less of an impression. Their performances are serviceable but largely forgettable.
Bad Boa’s (Almost Cops) – Picture: Netflix
Made with Joy, and It Shows
There’s a palpable sense of fun running throughout the film. The cast looks like they are genuinely enjoying themselves, and director Gonzalo Fernandez Carmona keeps the pace brisk. The script, co-written by Asporaat, Bonset, and Mossel, knows when to go big and when to slow down. This isn’t a film that tries too hard to impress, and that makes it all the more likable.
Importantly, the film never mocks its protagonists. The BOAs may be underdogs, but they are not the punchline. They are treated with affection and allowed to be the heroes — blue vests, clumsiness, and all.
The Dutch Bad Boys
Almost Cops isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a blast. It’s a light, fast-paced action comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still manages to deliver emotional payoff when it counts. The balance of absurdity, heart, and Dutch specificity is surprisingly effective. And Jandino? He finally proves he’s capable of more than loud costumes and silly voices.
Is it sometimes too silly? Absolutely. But if you’re in the mood for 90 minutes of carefree entertainment, something that’s both laugh-out-loud ridiculous and unexpectedly touching, Bad Boa’s is a great pick. For international viewers, it’s also a quirky, entertaining peek into a very Dutch slice of life.
Watch Almost Cops on Netflix If You Liked
- The Naked Gun
- Bad Boys
- New Kids
MVP of Almost Cops
Jandino Asporaat and Werner Kolf shine as Ramon and Jack, bringing great chemistry to the screen.
At times, their dynamic feels like a Dutch version of Leslie Nielsen’s classic antics. Both actors prove they have what it takes to carry a film like Almost Cops. The supporting cast also delivers some standout moments, with Ergun Simsek stealing the show as the hilariously over-the-top Turkish BOA Shakir.