Berlin Film Festival Debuts 'What Marielle Knows,' a Satirical Look at Family Secrets

Frédéric Hambalek’s second feature explores the chaos that unfolds when a teenager gains telepathic insight into her parents' private lives.

The film centers on Marielle, a teenager who spontaneously develops telepathic abilities after a school altercation, allowing her to perceive her parents' thoughts and actions.
Julia Jentsch and Felix Kramer portray Marielle’s flawed parents, whose carefully constructed facades unravel under their daughter’s newfound powers.
Critics highlight the film’s blend of humor and discomfort as it examines themes of honesty, privacy, and family dynamics within a bourgeois household.
While praised for its performances and intriguing premise, some reviewers note the film leans on predictable gender stereotypes and misses opportunities for deeper subversion.
Premiering in competition at the Berlin Film Festival, the movie offers a satirical yet relatable perspective on the fragile balance of truth and deception in family life.