Adrian Goiginger, Austria, Germany 2023

Erich “Rickerl” Bohacek (Voodoo Jürgens) is the definition of someone who self-sabotages his life. As the film proceeds, we see a man who is on the verge of losing everything; he can’t hold down a job, his music career is floundering due to his lack of resolve, and, if he is not careful, he might even lose the love and respect of his six-year-old son Dominik (Ben Winkler). Rickerl is a modern-day troubadour, singing darkly humorous songs with a strong Viennese accent. Each performance is truly a highlight and showcases just how talented Rickerl is, but he is a man who is held back by his own insecurities and past. Writer-director Adrian Goiginger has created a humanizing and complex portrait of a man who might otherwise be written off as a loser. Voodoo Jürgens gives a powerhouse performance as the titular character, but the real highlight is his catchy and humorous songs which elevate the film to a whole other level. (RF)