Germany | UK 2025
Opening March 20, 2025

Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Writing credits: Tom Tykwer
Principal actors: Lars Eidinger, Nicolette Krebitz, Elke Biesendorfer, Julius Gause, Elyas Eldridge, Tala al Deen

Milena (Nicolette Krebitz) and Tim (Lars Eidinger) Engel are the parents of seventeen-year-old twins, son Jon (Julius Gause) and daughter Frieda (Elke Biesendorfer). Milena sponsors the building of a theater in Nairobi, Kenya. Her connections with this country led her to an intimate relationship with an African man with whom she has a small son Dio (Elyas Eldridge). The Engel family resides in Berlin and presently Dio’s father is also there to see his son. The marriage between Milena and Tim is uneasy, which leads to talks with a counselor. They agree, “It’s our fault that the world is a mess.” (Wir sind der Grund, warum die Welt am Abgrund steht.) Things change when they hire Farrah (Tala al Deen) as their cleaning lady. Farrah originates from Syria and has been in Germany for five years.

Here, light comes from several sources: from the sun (in spite of rain in almost every scene) and from batteries and candles. Small lamps aid in the treatment of psychological problems between Milena and Tim. Light shines into a dark room from a small window in the ceiling. It shines from afar in a small window in a large apartment house. Lights shine, but also blink. This overlong film (162 minutes) still manages to hold our attention, as we try to follow the plot. It’s especially interesting when the children are involved. Dio sings “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song’s text could also describe the situation throughout: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality. Open your eyes. Look up to the skies and see.” Filmed principally in Berlin, Das Licht was the opening film at the 2025 Berlinale film festival. (Becky T.)