Point of View

A deeply moving and relatable story about an ordinary family bound together and almost torn apart by their shared suffering. Themes of love, loss, conflict, resentment and the maddening allure of nostalgia play out amongst the various characters as they try to hold their fragile worlds together in the face of almost unbearable pain. A philosophical reflection on the nature of perspective is cleverly handled as the viewer's own perspective on the various characters shifts throughout the film as more of the story is gradually revealed. A highly recommended and exciting debut from this clever and passionate film maker.

Otwin K. Biernat tells his touching story without visible cuts, enabling him to continually uncover - and at the same time to amplify - the untold tensions within this (seemingly) ordinary family. By letting the audience witness the unfolding events without interruption, he induces a certain, theatre-like impression. This feeling of being close to, being amidst the happenings is even more intensified by the camera work, taking the perspective of the central figure, source and catalyst of the family's tragic situation, the mother. She is the silenced, unexpressed 'problem'; invisible but still very present, silent but at the same time clearly resonant through the music of the film, thus implicitly shaping the developments of this family drama. Watching this movie is somehow intimidating, as one inevitably starts to reflect on - and analyse - his/her own family history and dynamics as well as crucial experiences with and/or related to different family members. While remembering and understanding, at some point you'll unavoidably ask yourself: Who am I (in my family)? Would I act in a similar situation like Lukas, like Anne, or Didi? Like the father? The mother? Ultimately, you'll realise that it 'just' depends on the point of view.