Christian Petzold’s “Transit” was the completion of what the director had called his “Love in the Time of Oppressive Systems Trilogy” with previous films “Barbara” and “Phoenix” completing the trifecta. And, despite being based on a novel by Anna Seghers from the era in which “Phoenix” takes place (World War II Europe), Petzold decided to set ”Transit” in present-day Europe, trying to parallel a scenario that he insisted could realistically still happen today. This resulted in the film being critically-acclaimed and Petzold becoming a major name in cinema.
As seen in the new trailer for his new film “Undine,” his latest is a “love story for life and death.” However, judging by the trailer and the official synopsis, it does seem to be a little more complicated than that. The film tells the story of Undine, who works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development, having her life upended when the man she loves leaves her and, suddenly, an “ancient myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.”
Is she a mermaid? Who knows.
I wrote about “Transit” back in 02.28.19:
“I’ve seen the film twice now and the second viewing felt much more like a first-rate film from a filmmaker always a step ahead of his audience, a third will most likely enhance the subtle effect. Petzold’s reflection on thematic resonance rather than, say, the dramatic prowess of “Barbara” and “Phoenix,” may turn some viewers off, but this bitterly ironic film is a worthy addition to his cannon due to its peculiarly unpredictable circularity. Petzold means to isolate you with ambiguity, but the payoff is rewarding.”
“Undine” stars Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree, and Jacob Matschenz. Beer and Rogowski have worked with Petzold on “Transit,” to the point where it is now becoming apparent that they have become sort of muses for his brand of cinema.
“Undine” is set to have its world premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival later this month.
Now the question is whether Spidey can become the first movie to cross $1 billion domestically. With its legs having slowed down, and $63M in receipts still needed, I highly doubt it.