Afire

Director: Christian Petzold, Cast: Thomas Schubert, Paula Beer, Enno Trebs, 2023 Winner: Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, Berlin International Film Festival, NR, subtitled

While vacationing by the Baltic Sea, writer Leon and photographer Felix are surprised by the presence of Nadja, a mysterious young woman staying as a guest at Felix’s family’s holiday home. Nadja distracts Leon from finishing his latest novel and with brutal honesty, forces him to confront his caustic temperament and self-absorption. As Nadja and Leon grow closer, an encroaching forest fire threatens the group and tensions escalate when a handsome lifeguard and Leon’s tight-lipped book editor also arrive. “Like all of Petzold’s recent pictures, “Afire” draws you in confidently and prepares its knockout emotional punch with scrupulousness and a vivid sense of surprise.” —Glenn Kenny, RogerEbert.com