The story of Esther (40) and her ex-husband Frank (42). Their nine-year-old son Hannes is declared brain dead after a soccer accident. From one second to the next, the parents lose their child. Nothing could have prepared them for this moment. They now have to watch helplessly and face fate. At the clinic, they meet a Turkish family in the same situation. Together, the separated couple face the most difficult decision of their lives. When will we finally switch off the devices? Will we release the organs for donation?
Acting
Schubert and Ljubek destroy you silently.
Direction
Goette refuses easy catharsis.
Director
Aelrun Goette
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
German TV movies tackling organ donation exploded after 2017 law changes made opt-out systems contentious.
The title 'Atempause' literally means 'breathing pause'—medical euphemism and emotional double entendre for the ventilation limbo.
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