Der Architekt

Excellent movie. It starts funny, then gets weird, and ends sad. The plot follows a straight line from the city into the mountains, and from everyday tedium to singular despair. The story proceeds as if by necessity, yet it's never predictable. Almost all characters are damaged and twisted in fascinating ways. Working with an outstanding ensemble of first-rate actors, Ina Weisse makes us take them at face value. In no time at all, these creeps feel like you've known them forever, or you're one of them. Hannah, a single working mom in a backward village, technically gets the worst deal, but makes the best of it. Played by the amazing Sophie Rois, she turns out the most likable in my book. But they all have their perks. Josef Bierbichler, in the part of the crippled patriarch, is obviously a giant. Hilde Van Mieghem is great as his snotty, frustrated wife. Sandra Hüller, of "Requiem" fame, brings their unhappy over-achiever of a daughter to life in exciting ways. Matthias Schweighöfer, whom I can't stand in most movies, sheds new light on the age-old part of the prodigal son. Go see with family. It's a family movie, but not the way you think. Not at all. - Writer-director Ina Weisse is an established actress, but this is her first feature-length film. I hope there's more to come.