An intimate documentary about the late, acclaimed Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, Like Tears in Rain, is making its US debut on the Viaplay streaming service on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The film, directed by Hauer’s goddaughter, Sanna Fabery de Jonge, features never-before-seen footage and interviews.
Here’s the Lowdown: Despite his iconic roles in films like Blade Runner and The Hitcher, Rutger Hauer remained a private individual. This 80-minute documentary uses Hauer’s personal archive of home movies and behind-the-scenes footage, combined with interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, to reveal the man behind the famous face. The film takes it title from Hauer’s character Roy Batty’s famous speech in Blade Runner.
What This Means Now: Fans of Rutger Hauer, who died in 2019, will have a unique chance to gain insight into his life and creative process. The film includes interviews with a number of big names in the entertainment world, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mickey Rourke, Robert Rodriguez, Vincent D’Onofrio, Miranda Richardson and Paul Verhoeven. The film was also named an Official Selection at Noordelijk Film Festival 2024, Filmtheatre Lawel 2024, and Biografilm Festival Bologna 2025.
The Bigger Picture: Like Tears in Rain provides a portrait of a complicated and talented actor, known for playing both heroes and villains. Hauer’s own footage, combined with the perspectives of those who knew him best, creates a well-rounded picture of his life, both on and off-screen.
