Jan-Josef Geissler (Lars Eidinger) seems to have surprisingly found God. The man, once convicted of the murder of a young woman, presents himself as reformed and suddenly plans to study theology and become a priest, for which he seeks the support of the Church. The clergyman Ralf Remberg (Devid Striesow) is then tasked with verifying the sincerity of Geissler's motives to determine whether the incarcerated man is genuinely serious about the matter. However, the more Remberg delves into the case, the more he begins to question his own faith.
Acting
Eidinger and Striesow's toxic mentorship chemistry.
Direction
Berger's claustrophobic interrogation framing.
Writing
Dialogue that weaponizes theological jargon.
Director
Thomas Berger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Eidinger and Striesow reunited here after sharing Berlin's Schaubühne stage; their theatrical rhythm dominates the film's psychological tension.
The film deliberately withholds whether Geissler committed the murder—forcing viewers to confront their own bias about redemption narratives.
DE
