Ruben van der Meer’s ‘Bad Slippers’ Blends Crime Comedy with Sudoku Obsession

“Bad Slippers,” a crime comedy directed by and starring Ruben van der Meer, is set to release in Dutch cinemas on February 19, 2026. The film features a quirky cast of characters involved in a series of escalating scams, alongside unexpected elements like Picasso paintings, a persistent coffee stain, and a dedicated sudoku enthusiast.

A Plot Built on Deception

The film centers around a group of con artists from diverse backgrounds – two petty thieves, a door-to-door salesman, and an art dealer – who become entangled in a scheme to steal three Picasso paintings. The plan originates when the salesman, burdened with debt, discovers the artwork while attempting to remove a coffee stain from the art dealer’s carpet.

The Significance of ‘Bad Slippers’

The title itself stems from a humorous debate within the film about the merits of wearing slippers versus clogs. Van der Meer’s character, one of the thieves, is persuaded to purchase a pair of slippers, which ultimately play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

Sudoku as a Recurring Motif

A unique element of “Bad Slippers” is the inclusion of a character obsessed with sudoku, specifically the “sudoku killer” variant. Bennie Wies, a character in the film, is described as a fanatical sudoku lover who frequently explains the intricacies of the puzzle to others. This puzzle element isn’t merely a background detail; it’s woven into the narrative, adding both humor and suspense.

Collaboration with Denksport

To coincide with the film’s release, a partnership has been established with Denksport, a puzzle company. This collaboration includes the launch of a limited-edition “Denksport Bad Slippers 2–4* – Sudoku killer” puzzle book, targeting both puzzle and film enthusiasts. Denksport is likewise running a prize puzzle related to the film, offering winners cinema tickets, and an abonnement actie.

Special Pre-Release Screenings and Q&A Sessions

Ruben van der Meer will be hosting special pre-release screenings of “Bad Slippers” with Q&A sessions and meet-and-greets. These events are scheduled in various cities across the Netherlands, including Kampen, Zutphen, Veghel, Utrecht, Beverwijk, Drachten, Nijmegen, Echt, Weerd, and Helmond.

A Self-Funded Project

Van der Meer financed the film independently after facing difficulties securing funding from the Dutch Film Fund, which typically supports filmmakers with prior experience or established producers.