The official German Oscar entry for Best International Film is an insular, bloodcurdling thriller set within the confines of a school that, for cinematic purposes, circa 2023, also functions as a microcosm of society as a whole, where facts don’t matter not a role and disinformation is widespread. Suspicions are high, divisions are deep, racism still rears its ugly head, and no one knows exactly where or even if it does want Should.
This fascinating film was a critical hit in Berlin from the start and later caused a stir at the Telluride, Toronto and AFI festivals. Table jungle of a different caliber, but one that critically assesses our educational institutions in terms of human achievement. That the film (by cinematographer Judity Kaufmann) was shot in a claustrophobic 4:3 aspect ratio only heightens the tension that co-writer (with Johannes Duncker) and director Ilker Çatak (a former Academy Student Prize winner) With the latter part two some of their own experiences as classmates, but here on a much more dangerous and explosive canvas.
Carla Nowak is the kind of idealistic teacher who arrives at her new school and seventh grade eager to make a name for herself, as we’ve seen in many films With love for the Lord Unpleasant Down the stairs and countless others. However, it is not long before problems arise in the form of a series of thefts, which are followed by accusations and investigations. She wants to keep her idealistic personality in check, but is unfortunately pushed aggressively by the more experienced teachers, including Thomas Liebenwenda (Michael Staple). ) and some of his colleagues (Sarah Bauerett, Rafael Stachoviak). They force student council representatives Jenny (Antonia Kuppen) and Lucas (Oscar Zickur) to reveal a suspect they can indict, and finally the two give in by – arbitrarily – giving up to Ali Yilmaz (Can Rodenbotel). angers his parents, suspects racism. even when a search of his wallet revealed a large amount of cash that his parents had reportedly given him.
Meetings with the teachers and the not-so-strong principal Bettina Bohm (Anne-Kathrin Gummich) are not satisfactory for Carla, who has also noticed some shady incidents in the teachers’ room where things have been stolen. She decides to track down the perpetrator in secret, leaving behind her purse and jacket as well as her laptop, which she has set up to record any thefts. It works, but we don’t see a face, just a woman’s arm clearly and a very conspicuous polka dot blouse – a blouse she identifies as belonging to the office manager, Ms. Kuhn (a wonderful Eva Lobau), which also happens to be Oskar’s mother (Leonard Stettnisch), an excellent student who showed Carla a particular interest in education. Like Mrs. Kuhn the accused, She immediately denies it, tempers and tensions reach a boiling point, even as the school newspaper gets in her way, and all hell breaks loose in shocking fashion.
Çatak knows how to keep us on the edge of our seats in this fractured community, never letting it spiral out of control and focusing on the hope that sparks Carla’s outrage and dismay as she navigates this whole sad affair, a vision of where not only German education is collapsing, but an education that is unfortunately universal.
Staff room cannot be overlooked.
Title: Staff room
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Release date: December 25, 2023
Director: Ilker Catak
Screenwriters: Ilker Çatak, Johannes Duncker
Form: Leonie Benesch, Eva Lobau, Michael Klemm, Leonard Stettnisch, Anne-Kathrin Gummich, Can Rodenbostel, Antonia Kupper, Oscar Zickur, Rafael Stachoviak, Sarah Bauerett
Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
