My Rating: 3.99/4 (aka Absolutely must see)

One line summary: Nothing is quite as it seems when friends gather at a summer house on the Baltic Sea, with forest fires raging nearby.

The Deets: Having seen two of Christian Petzold’s other films – “Phoenix” and “Transit” – I had both high expectations and a rough sense of this movie. But wow. When it ended and the credits began to roll and the Wallners’ melodic “In My Mind” continued to play, we just sat there in awe, having experienced one of the best movies we had seen in many years (and I’m still thinking about it). It’s almost impossible to describe the texture of the film, how it makes you feel, how it provokes you to think – or even guess – what has happened, and why. The acting is so good because it just flows, natural, awkward, as though we are at the summer dinner with them, the cicadas and mosquitoes buzzing nearby. Petzold has woven a perfect film, in my humble opinion, one that appears to have a simple premise and then gradually and suddenly unfolds to reveal itself with layers you almost don’t notice are there. As his other films do, this one also lulls you into its space and then surprises you, time and again, keeping you joyously off balance, guessing, and also hoping you could stay suspended there kind of forever.

Perfect for: Anyone who likes movies, and especially if you’re a fan of Christian Petzold’s other work.

Where to watch: As of now (July), I think you need to catch it in the theater.

Food pairing: Goulash (you’ll see why), or – if goulash is not available – your favorite summer beverage.