Goodnight Mommy

I was unsure about this film for the first thirty minutes or so. The eerie blend between reality and fantasy, between waking and dreaming was visually beautiful, but left me a bit confused from time to time. As the film continued and the plot intensified, I grew utterly transfixed, I couldn't look away. And then the last ten minutes happened, and I sat in slack jawed amazement repeatedly whispering "oh my god" over and over again because I was so stunned. Despite what some reviewers said (and please don't spoil this film for yourself by looking around before you see it), I never saw it coming. Not for a second. I loved this, truly. 4.5/5

Goodnight Mommy on Netflix

Free Fall

This German LGBTQ drama is really spectacular. The plot is nuanced and very deftly written where no easy answers can be found. The acting is top notch with outstanding performances by all the leads. I really like the ending - it was appropriate for the story and really made me think. I highly recommend this. 4/5

Free Fall on Netflix

Wetlands

I have no earthly idea how this German sex comedy wound up on my queue, but it was completely strange and utterly fun. I found myself cringing in disbelief quite a bit, but, even though it had it's gross moments, it also had heart and depth and a soul to it. Carla Juri was wonderful in the lead as well. I'm surprised I liked this a lot, but I did. 3.5/5

Wetlands on Netflix

Labyrinth of Lies

This German drama about the generation after the Nazis attempting to reconcile the actions of their parents and their country is truly affecting and quite well written. The acting is solid and I was thoroughly engaged throughout. This was a period of time for Germany I really didn't know much about - I was pleasantly surprised by this. 4/5

Labyrinth of Lies on Netflix

North Face

I don't think I've ever seen a mountain drama quite this intense & well directed before - brutally tense. 4/5

North Face on Netflix

Soundless

It really felt there was nothing here - no compelling characters or plot, no great music or direction. Very average. 3/5

Soundless on Netflix

A Coffee in Berlin

This movie fascinated me with it's subtlety & very nuanced plot. The acting is also excellent. Well done! 4/5

A Coffee in Berlin on Netflix

Two Lives

This German/Norwegian drama is written wonderfully & acted extremely well all around - a poignant story. 4/5

Two Lives on Netflix

My Joy

I have no idea what I just watched. This German drama is so convoluted & confusing I have no idea what happened. 1.5/5

My Joy on Netflix

Lore

This moody German drama captures the sense of numbness & confusion that must have been present in collapsing Germany. 3.5/5

Lore on Netflix

The Child I Never Was

So much could have been done with this story, something darker & more sinister, but I was left wanting. 2.5/5

The Child I Never Was on Netflix

The Wall

This intriguing drama is layered thickly with metaphor & lovingly shot with a story that is ultimately horrifying. I think it's going to be a long, long time before I'll get this film out of my head. Very very powerful. Wow. 4/5

The Wall on Netflix

The Silence

This German thriller is visually stunning with compelling writing & wonderful performances throughout. Well done! 4/5

The Silence on Netflix

The Wave

This dissection of fascism is fascinating & extremely well written - very brave to set it in Germany as well. Bravo! 4.5/5

The Wave on Netflix

71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance

Haneke's experimental film is genius in the way it views the world & it's inhabitants. 4/5


71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance on Netflix

A Film Unfinished

What a brutal, horrible, intensely disturbing documentary about the Warsaw ghettos! I doubt I'll sleep now. 5/5


A Film Unfinished on Netflix

The Lives of Others

An absolutely fascinating & unexpected film, surprisingly positive & affirming. Really wonderful. 4/5

The Lives of Others on Netflix

The Baader Meinhof Complex

This powerful, emotional film unflinchingly follows the birth of the RAF. Devastating & brilliant. 5/5

The Baader Meinhof Complex on Netflix