Afire
Credit: Christian Petzold, The Match Factory GmbH, Piffl Medien, Criterion
A welcome relief from the cacophony of guns and superheroes, Christian Petzold’s smoldering drama Afire—which won a Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlinale in 2023—offers a quieter slice-of-life. The film’s unlikable protagonist, Leon (a pitch-perfect Thomas Schubert), is a deeply insecure writer who shields himself with pomposity. His posturing is foiled by Nadja (the cheery yet inscrutable Paula Beer), who is patient well past the point of reason. While sharing a Baltic vacation home with two other friends, Leon struggles to get writing done—let alone get along with the rest of the group.
Even if you think this isn’t your type of film—just as Leon seems like someone we can’t possibly root for—Petzold and his cast will surprise you. Afire becomes a comedy of desire and miscommunication, felt most strongly in characters’ glances: the unspoken feelings that define relationships. Although its ending challenges expectations with a drastic tonal shift, the journey there is undeniably worthwhile. Even without a score or superfluous sounds, this dynamic interpersonal drama feels entirely complete, characterized by quiet confidence behind the camera and realistically imperfect behavior in front of it.
Definitely Watch If: You’re a fan of verbal drama, à la Eric Rohmer. You’re a writer, a grad student, and/or too self-absorbed. Or you can’t stand slow realism—because this might be the film that charms you into surrender.
Reviewed at NYFF 2023 and Tribeca 2023.
103 min.
Where to Watch: Now streaming on The Criterion Channel and others for rental.