I’ve been keeping an eye on the 76th Berlin Film Festival, which is now in Day 4, and on the outside looking in, there hasn’t been too much to report on. Kelly O’Sullivan’s “Mouse” seems to have gotten the buzziest reviews, this is Sullivan’s third project with co-writer, sometimes director, Alex Thompson, after the well-received “Saint Frances” and “Ghostlight” — this third feature, again a low budget indie, is being described as a coming-of-age tale about female friendship.
Sadly, “Mouse” isn’t playing in competition, rather, it was screened in the Panorama sidebar, which means it won’t be eligible for the Golden Bear. One film that will is Alain Gomis’ “Dao,” a sprawling 3-hour African family drama which seems to have its fair share of passionate fans, including New York Film Festival chief Dennis Lim who came out of his screening calling it a defining 2026 fil.
Finally, receiving some of the strongest notices of the festival is Markus Schleinzer’s “Rose,” but more specifically Sandra Hüller who is getting raves for her performance as a 17th century woman who disguises herself as a male soldier.
Schleinzer, previously a casting director for Haneke, who also caused quite the stir at Cannes 2011 with his shocking debut “Michael,” this time helms a black-and-white film centered on Rose (Hüller), a mysterious soldier disguised as a man, who arrives in a remote Protestant village. Claiming to be the heir of a long-abandoned farmstead, she presents a document to substantiate her claim to the skeptical villagers. Yearning for stability and a sense of belonging, Rose strives to integrate into the cautious community.
Most of the reviews zero in on the film’s lead actress.
Film Verdict is bowing down to Hüller’s “prodigious acting talents.” Variety says that Hüller “amazes, again.” Screen trumpets the actress as “phenomenal.” THR crowns her performance as a “masterclass in acting.” Meanwhile, Loud and Clear proclaims “she steals the show.”
Hüller is set to have an insane 2026. It’s not just “Rose,” but these next 12 months will see her having roles in Alejandro G. Inarritu’s ‘Digger,” Lord and Miller’s “Project Hail Mary,” and Pawel Pawlikowski’s “1949.”
Hüller is best known for her captivating performances in films that continuously resonate with arthouse audiences and critics alike. She gained international acclaim for her role in “Toni Erdmann” “The Zone of Interest,” and Anatomy of a Fall,” each highlighting her ability to embody complex, emotionally nuanced characters.
UPDATE: “Rose” is now way ahead on the 2026 Berlin jury grid, receiving an average of 3.3 from the critics.
