Manipulation Review: A Preposterous Da Vinci Code-Style Thriller 2026

Manipulation is a preposterous Da Vinci Code-esque thriller that feels like being trapped in a Ferrero Rocher advert, complete with candle-lit occult settings and a creamy Dan Brown filling. Directed by David Balda, the film attempts to weave a tale of secret societies and ancient conspiracies but ends up as an impenetrable mess.

The story kicks off with young novice Matteo (Radoslav Gavlas) being initiated into a tentacular secret society. This Prague-based order, led by the iron-fisted Master (Pawel Lawrynowicz), engages in blackmail and amasses power-bestowing information. Matteo is dispatched to infiltrate the Catholic church, though the reasons remain murky.

The Plot: A Da Vinci Code Wannabe

After witnessing his cultist father (Predrag Bjelac) threaten to torture a defector's children, Matteo has a crisis of conscience. He is then sent to Bologna by the Master for some "illuminati R&R," where he encounters a circumspect Professor (Pavel Kriz) who serves as his answer to Umberto Eco. The Professor explains the corrupting influence of cabals through the centuries and believes the Master is seeking the alchemical secrets of Holy Roman emperor Rudolf II.

The film's narrative is as convoluted as it sounds, with plot points that seem to be cobbled together from better conspiracy thrillers. The vials the Master constantly swigs from presumably aren't available from the hotel minibar, adding to the absurdity.

Performances: An Ersatz Europudding

The cast, an ersatz Europudding of performers all speaking English, delivers lines with varying degrees of conviction. Radoslav Gavlas as Matteo is earnest but lacks the charisma needed to carry the film. Pawel Lawrynowicz as the Master chews scenery with gusto, but his character is more cartoonish than menacing.

The supporting players, including Predrag Bjelac as the threatening father and Pavel Kriz as the wise Professor, do what they can with the material. However, the script gives them little to work with, and their performances often feel as lost as the audience.

Direction and Atmosphere: Style Over Substance

David Balda's direction aims for a moody, atmospheric thriller but ends up feeling like a parody of the genre. The candle-lit occult settings are visually striking but quickly become repetitive. The film's pacing is uneven, with long stretches of exposition punctuated by sudden, confusing action sequences.

The attempt to create a sense of mystery falls flat because the story is so incoherent. Instead of being intrigued, viewers are likely to be baffled by the impenetrable shenanigans that play like Balda's attempt to recall the plot of a Da Vinci Code-style potboiler after huffing tailpipe fumes. The background to this story is set out in Drawn Together Review: A Preposterous Romance with Zero Spark. A related thread runs through Celebrity: latest articles.

Key Takeaways

• The plot is a convoluted mess that tries too hard to emulate Dan Brown's style.
• Performances are uneven, with some actors seeming as confused as the audience.
• The film's atmosphere is more comical than suspenseful.
• Direction lacks focus, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.
• Overall, Manipulation fails to deliver a coherent or engaging thriller.

Comparison to Other Conspiracy Thrillers

When stacked against its inspirations, Manipulation falls short in every category. It lacks the narrative coherence of The Da Vinci Code, the strong performances of The Illusionist, and the thrilling atmosphere of Angels & Demons. Earlier coverage in Scariest Non-Horror Movies: Readers Share Their Terrifying Picks shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Hollywood Movies Shift Production Away From Los Angeles.

Final Verdict

Manipulation is a film that tries to be a smart, conspiracy-laden thriller but ends up being a laughable imitation. Its convoluted plot, uneven performances, and heavy-handed direction make it a chore to sit through. Unless you're in the mood for unintentional comedy, it's best to skip this one. Anyone following the wider picture can start with I Love Boosters Review: Boots Riley's Frantic, Funny Caper. The same theme surfaces in Nicolas Cage's The Surfer on Prime Video: A Wild Thriller, which takes a different angle.