Dir. Michael Haneke

2009 | 144 mins | Germany | German, Italian

Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch

In a village in Protestant northern Germany on the eve of World War I, some inexplicable events disturb the peace. A cable has been put up to trip the doctor riding his horse, a barn is set on fire, two children are abducted…The schoolteacher observes, investigates and little by little discovers the incredible, disturbing truth.

Considered by some as of his richest and most rewarding film, Haneke proves he has never been one to give us answers, often leaving us with more questions.

Screening as part of our Complicit: A Michael Haneke retrospective.

Michael Haneke’s often unnerving work explores alienation, violence and the disengagement of the bourgeoisie. The two-time Palme d’Or winner is a precise chronicler of social failings, and his confronting films force us to question our own upholding of the status quo.

Playing throughout August.

The films in this season feature themes of sexual violence, incest, suicide, harm to children, assisted dying and graphic violence. For more information, please refer to the guidance provided by the BBFC.

BBFC Rating

Rated 15 – Contains child abuse references

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix

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