Overview
- The feature reaches German cinemas Thursday following Hüller’s Silver Bear at February’s Berlinale.
- Set in the 17th century, it follows a woman who lives and works as a man to claim safety and a stake in society.
- Director Markus Schleinzer employs stark black-and-white images with cinematographer Gerald Kerkletz and a restrained off-voice to keep formal distance.
- Schleinzer cites archival research of roughly 300 documented cases of women living as men, while scholar Angela Steidele disputes the film’s use of specific historical parallels.
- Reviews praise Hüller’s taut performance and spotlight newcomer Caro Braun as Suzanna, calling the film a spare study of intolerance and social control.