Overview

• The film adapts Lukas Rietzschel's 2018 novel, centering on two brothers navigating life in Saxony during a period of societal and economic upheaval.
• It examines the collapse of authority, financial struggles, and the normalization of racism following German reunification, culminating in the rise of far-right ideologies by 2015.
• Through its unflinching and subtle storytelling, the film critiques systemic neglect and the vulnerability of youth to extremist influences in a fractured society.
• Scenes like a school bus driver making antisemitic jokes highlight the casual acceptance of racism in everyday life in the region.
• Critics have praised the film for its realistic depiction of East Germany's challenges, avoiding oversimplification and offering a poignant cultural commentary.