The Heart Is a Dark Forest

Pretty dark it seems. There is nothing in her previous work to prepare us for a family drama of this scale, neither in her acting track record nor in "Jeans", her laid back and somewhat self-centered 2001 directorial debut. In captivating images of growing surrealism, inter-cut with "Dogville"-type flashbacks on a barren stage, we learn of a husband's careless betrayal and its dire consequences. Highlights include a memorable guest appearance by Otto Sander in the part of the arsonist, amounting to less than one on-screen minute in a total of three scenes, as well as the last temptation of art world infant terrible Jonathan Meese in the part of Jesus himself. If you have seen Christian Petzold's "Yella", this movie may have a somewhat "déjà vu" feel to it. Not only does Krebitz share Petzold's lead actors Nina Hoss and Devid Striesow. There are also common themes such as betrayal and illusion. Even some of the sets reminded me of "Yella", especially the red brick house. I don't know whether any of this is intentional though.