Films So Good

Director Christian Petzold returns with his second collaboration with both Laura Beer (Frantz) and Franz Rogowski (Victoria) after Transit (2018). Undine is a folkrole love drama based on the well-known myth of the elemental creature. Undine (Laura Beer) works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves betrays her, Undine has to fulfill the old myth by killing him and returning to the water. Can the love of an other man (Franz Rogowski) change her destiny?

The movie could have been a masterpiece, but it seems that Petzold has chosen to write and direct his movie in a more minimal way. Despite the fact that the myth offers a chance for a plot full of magic, a quite simplier scenario is presented. The viewer who doesn’t know the myth will be confused, since Petzold doesn’t go deeper in the myth of Undine. Instead of it, there is extensively description of the Berlin’s archicteture. In addition, the use of only one melody – Concerto in D minor, BWV 974 by Bach – throughout the movie can be characerized monotone from some viewers. On the contrary, Petzold has created a great atmoshpere that fully corresponds to the myth of Undine. Especially, the shots under the water are trully stunning.

The strogenst feature of the movie though is the actors’ performances. It is not a surprise that Laura Beer is awarded with the European Actress Award for this role. Despite acting is in the same minimal mood, both actors are giving a very solid perfomance. There are no emotional breakdowns, no extreme attitudes, but this is logical due to the general movie framework that Petzold built.

Despite the obvious disantavantages, the movie is worth watching and the fans of folkrole movies are going to enjoy it. However, many will be disappointed from the fact that the movie didn’t reach its full potential.

Movie Rating: 57/100

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