Netflix’s crime drama Ferry (2021) is an exciting prequel to the Undercover series, exploring the early days of Ferry Bouman’s life before he became one of Europe’s most notorious ecstasy (XTC) kingpins. Let’s dive into the major plot points, the climactic ending, and how it sets up the sequel in greater detail.
Ferry (2021): Mattijs Gets Shot
The movie begins with a shocking and pivotal event. Two masked gunmen storm into Brink’s cash depot, a key location for his criminal operations. Brink, Ferry’s mentor and boss, notices a gun hidden under the table and attempts to defend the depot. However, his son Mattijs intervenes to stop him from putting his life in danger. In the chaos, one of the robbers shoots Mattijs, wounding him fatally. The robbers escape, leaving Brink devastated and determined to seek vengeance. He orders Ferry, his most trusted associate, to track down the robbers and ensure they pay with their lives. This event is not only a catalyst for the plot but also a window into Brink’s paternal instincts and the violent world Ferry operates in.
Ferry’s Hunt for the Robbers
Using surveillance footage, Ferry identifies one of the perpetrators as Jason, who has connections to the southern region where Ferry’s roots lie. With this lead, Ferry travels to Belgium to find Jason. The visit is not just about business; it’s personal. Ferry reunites with his estranged sister Claudia, who is battling a terminal illness, and her husband John Zwart, who helps Ferry navigate the local criminal underworld.
At the Zonnedauw campsite, Ferry rents a trailer to lay low while searching for Jason. During his stay, he meets Danielle van Marken, a cheerful candy stall owner who unknowingly becomes instrumental in his investigation. To lure Jason out of hiding, Ferry stages a robbery at Jason’s trailer, forcing Danielle to contact Jason. When Jason returns, Ferry kidnaps him and drives him to an isolated quarry, where he executes him after extracting information about the second robber, Davy. This sequence showcases Ferry’s ruthless efficiency while hinting at his emerging moral conflict.
Discovering the Truth About the Robbery
Ferry’s interrogation of Davy reveals an unexpected twist: the mastermind behind the robbery was none other than Mattijs himself. Mattijs planned the heist to settle a debt but lacked the courage to confront his father for help. Despite learning this, Ferry chooses not to disclose the truth to Brink, knowing it would shatter the grieving father. Instead, Ferry kills Davy and continues his search for the third accomplice, Lars, who turns out to be Danielle’s brother.
The Dilemma with Lars
Ferry’s growing feelings for Danielle complicate his mission. When he finally confronts Lars, he discovers that Lars was only the getaway driver and had no direct involvement in Mattijs’ death. Torn between his loyalty to Brink and his affection for Danielle, Ferry decides to spare Lars. He warns him to disappear permanently to avoid Brink’s wrath. To protect Danielle and her family, Ferry ends their budding relationship, leaving Danielle heartbroken. This decision highlights Ferry’s internal struggle between his violent profession and his humanity.
Rico’s Betrayal and Brink’s Wrath
Back in Amsterdam, Ferry’s behavior becomes erratic as he grapples with his choices. Rico, another of Brink’s trusted men, grows suspicious of Ferry and uncovers his connection to Danielle. Rico informs Brink, who confronts Ferry about his lies. When Ferry refuses to betray Lars’ location, Brink orders an attack on Danielle to force Ferry’s hand. In a climactic showdown, Ferry eliminates Brink and his men in a violent confrontation, demonstrating his lethal capabilities when pushed to the edge. He then saves Danielle from harm, solidifying his transformation from a loyal enforcer to a man driven by personal convictions.
The Birth of the XTC Empire
With Brink out of the picture, Ferry seeks a fresh start. He returns to the Zonnedauw campsite, where he reconnects with Danielle and introduces her to Claudia, who is recovering from her illness. During their reunion, Danielle mentions that her brother Lars manufactures ecstasy pills. Recognizing Lars’ potential, Ferry proposes a partnership, laying the groundwork for his future empire. In a mid-credits scene, Ferry visits an abandoned warehouse where Lars is producing ecstasy, symbolizing the beginning of Ferry’s rise as a drug kingpin.
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Setting Up the Sequel: Ferry 2
The upcoming sequel picks up after Undercover, where Ferry’s empire has crumbled. Now living in Spain, Ferry is approached by his cousin Jezebel (Jez), who seeks his help after incurring debts with a dangerous criminal named Lex Van Dun. Haunted by his past actions, including his role in Jez’s father’s death, Ferry agrees to protect her. The sequel promises to explore themes of redemption, family loyalty, and the enduring consequences of Ferry’s criminal past. With high stakes and a gripping plot, Ferry 2 is set to be a thrilling continuation of the saga.
Ferry (2021) masterfully blends action, drama, and character development, offering an engaging origin story that complements the Undercover series. Its detailed exploration of Ferry’s early life adds depth to his character, while the ending seamlessly sets the stage for future installments. Fans of the franchise can look forward to more high-octane drama and emotional storytelling in the sequel.
