Screened as part of NZIFF 2021

Undine 2020

Directed by Christian Petzold Spotlight

This captivating tale of fated lovers, drawing on myth and fantasy, is also a love song to Berlin.

Nov 06

Isaac Theatre Royal

Nov 08

Isaac Theatre Royal

Germany In German with English subtitles
91 minutes DCP

Rent

Director, Screenplay

Cast

Paula Beer
,
Franz Rogowski
,
Maryam Zaree
,
Jacob Matschenz
,
Anne Ratte-Polle
,
Rafael Stachowiak
,
Julia Franz Richter
,
Gloria Endres de Oliveira

Producers

Florian Koerner von Gustorf
,
Michael Weber

Cinematography

Has Fromm

Editor

Bettina Böhler

Music

J.S. Bach

Festivals

Berlin 2020

Awards

Best Actress & FIPRESCI Prize (Competition), Berlin International Film Festival 2020

Elsewhere

German auteur Christian Petzold is a master in the art of tightening an invisible grip on his characters; they can appear as though becalmed, between worlds, stranded and hovering in a transitory state due to circumstance, fate or personality – and not always aware of the fact. Undine is no exception, and his latest heroine is perhaps his most slippery and elusive yet. But then, her name belongs to a mythical creature, a female water nymph whose lack of a soul, not to mention her aquatic environment, can complicate interaction with humans.

A historian, Undine’s subject is Berlin: its many strata, both geographical and architectural; she delves deep into what lies below and in the past. Christophe, a diver tasked with assessing the underwater foundations of the city’s constructions, witnesses one of Undine’s presentations at her workplace, the Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing. A restaurant aquarium brings them together in one of the most startling first encounters viewers are likely to see at this festival. They are instantly transfixed and launch into a passionate affair.

The chemistry between Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski, stars of Petzold’s Transit (NZIFF 2018), powers this film of strangeness and wonders, plunging viewers into an intoxicating waking dream. — Sandra Reid