This film is part of Rentals

Western 12 rating

Masculine tensions reaching boiling point in this sizzling, brilliantly observed neo-western, where migrant German construction workers are pitched against villagers in remotest Bulgaria.

Drama 2017 121 mins

Director: Valeska Grisebach

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Overview

Tensions mount between German construction workers and Bulgarian villagers in a small rural town, in this contemporary western from award-winning director Valeska Grisebach. Camped above the isolated town, the workers divert the local water supply, boorishly intimidate women and exacerbate tempers by flying a German flag above their camp (flaring age-old national resentments). Lanky loner Meinhard stays aloof, preferring the company of the locals, finding a connection despite the lack of verbal communication. However, when one of the workers borrows a horse from a townsman, tempers finally begin to fray beyond repair.

Grisebach’s exquisitely taut film explores the dynamics of all-male environments; masculinity is a language, albeit a rudimentary one, that can be culturally specific and ripe for misunderstanding. With expertly observed micro-dramas amidst the gorgeously photographed countryside, Western features melancholy and menace in equal measure, providing a memorable and unique addition to the genre.

Director
Valeska Grisebach
Featuring
Meinhard NeumannReinhardt WetrekSyuleyman Alilov LetifovVeneta Frangova
Genres
Drama
Certificate
12infrequent strong language, moderate sex, violence
Released
2017
Country
Germany
Language
German with English subtitles