Director: Christian Petzold
Cast: Franz Rogowski, Paula Beer, Godehard Giese
102 minutes, Germany, France, 2018, 12A
Like many others, German refugee Georg has fled Paris to escape the impending war. He has assumed the identity of a famous but deceased writer, and plans to use the man’s documentation to obtain a transit visa and immigrate to Mexico. But when Georg encounters the dead man’s wife Marie in Marseille, he finds himself dangerously drawn to her.
The latest film from renowned German director Christian Petzold (Barbara, Phoenix) is more than just an adaptation of Anna Seghers’ WWII-set novel. Although the story is anchored in the past, Petzold ambitiously relocates events to a contemporary setting, blurring the lines between past and present, and creating ambiguity for the viewer. The result is a thrilling and unique piece of work.
Festivals:
Berlin International Film Festival 2018
Sydney Film Festival 2018
Toronto International Film Festival 2018
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2019
Awards
Winner – Best Film, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2019
Quotes:
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
– Jonathan Romney, Film Comment Magazine