This film is part of Rentals
This film is certified
- very strong language, distressing scenes, strong threat, domestic abuse
System Crasher
An intensive drama about a pre-pubescent girl who actually crashes Germany’s child and welfare system whilst on her quest for love and security.
Drama 2019 120 mins
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
Overview
When neon pink flashing images flood the screen, it’s a sign that nine-year-old Benni has lost all control. She screams, swears, hits out and spits. Though she can be extremely violent, the traumatised girl is also lovable, understanding, vulnerable and very smart. Tossed from one foster home to the next, she dreams of nothing more than being reunited with her overstrained mother. Nora Fingscheidt has created a deeply moving portrait of the vulnerability of childhood, asking where Benni belongs, who can help her and how she can be supported. Through the commitment of an excellent cast and with its powerful narrative of a young girl who has lost her place in society, Fingscheidt challenges conventional attitudes towards innocence, systems of support and, ultimately, the role of the welfare state.
very strong language, distressing scenes, strong threat, domestic abuseRelated
Drama
Casablanca Beats Casablanca Beats
Drama 2021 102 mins Director: Nabil Ayouch
Former rapper Anas takes a teaching job at a cultural centre in a working-class neighbourhood in Casablanca.
Cop Secret Cop Secret
Comedy 2021 100 mins Director: Hannes Þór Halldórsson
Two Icelandic cops forced to work together become more than just buddies in this enjoyably explosive send-up of action movies.
The Swimmer The Swimmer
Drama 2021 84 mins Director: Adam Kalderon
An elite swimmer competing for a place on the Olympic team encounters intense rivalry and lust during training.
Ali & Ava Ali & Ava
Drama 2020 94 mins Director: Clio Barnard
Clio Barnard’s latest film is a tremendously warm and tenderly written love story.
Parallel Mothers Parallel Mothers
Drama 2021 123 mins Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Almodóvar at his very best, presenting a riveting drama about two mothers from very different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined.
Murina Murina
Drama 2021 96 mins Director: Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
Tensions rise between restless teenager Julija and her oppressive father Ante when an old family friend arrives at their Croatian island home.
Great Debuts
Gone Too Far! Gone Too Far!
Comedy 2013 88 mins Director: Destiny Ekaragha
Riotous urban comedy adapted from the hit Royal Court play, about a Peckham teen affronted by the arrival of his long-lost Nigerian sibling.
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Horror 2014 101 mins Director: Ana Lily Amirpour
If you only see one Iranian vampire western this year, make sure it’s this one. A female vampire stalks a ghost town in Ana Lily Amirpour’s arresting debut.
Breathless [À bout de souffle] Breathless [À bout de souffle]
Film noir 1960 90 mins Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard’s extraordinary debut feature, an insouciant and iconoclastic crime film that paved the way for the French New Wave.
La Haine La Haine
Drama 1995 98 mins Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Mathieu Kassovitz’s landmark mid-90s drama throws a cinematic Molotov cocktail at structural racism, police brutality and media manipulation.
Lift to the Scaffold Lift to the Scaffold
Crime 1958 91 mins Director: Louis Malle
Julien Tavernier plans the perfect murder of his boss. Having emerged from the scene of the crime, he returns to retrieve a vital piece of evidence but finds himself trapped in a lift, increasingly desperate to escape before the police arrive.
Blood Simple Blood Simple
Film noir 1983 92 mins Director: Joel Coen
The Coen Brothers' neo-noir thriller debut is both brilliantly grisly and darkly comic.
New
Casablanca Beats Casablanca Beats
Drama 2021 102 mins Director: Nabil Ayouch
Former rapper Anas takes a teaching job at a cultural centre in a working-class neighbourhood in Casablanca.
Cop Secret Cop Secret
Comedy 2021 100 mins Director: Hannes Þór Halldórsson
Two Icelandic cops forced to work together become more than just buddies in this enjoyably explosive send-up of action movies.
The Swimmer The Swimmer
Drama 2021 84 mins Director: Adam Kalderon
An elite swimmer competing for a place on the Olympic team encounters intense rivalry and lust during training.
Ali & Ava Ali & Ava
Drama 2020 94 mins Director: Clio Barnard
Clio Barnard’s latest film is a tremendously warm and tenderly written love story.
Parallel Mothers Parallel Mothers
Drama 2021 123 mins Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Almodóvar at his very best, presenting a riveting drama about two mothers from very different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined.
Wake Up Punk Wake Up Punk
Documentary 2022 84 mins Director: Nigel Askew
Nigel Askew's documentary explores the punk movement, featuring revealing insights from designer and punk icon Vivienne Westwood.