Andrea lässt sich scheiden

Josef Hader has returned to the director's chair after his first film as a director, "Die wilde Maus", was a great success with critics and audiences. Now he has raised the bar considerably. This time he has taken the subject of his film much more seriously, even if the typical raunchy dialogue can still be heard here. Nevertheless, the core story tells of policewoman Andrea, who wants to divorce her husband and then move from the provinces to the state capital to pursue more interesting police work. But then a stupid accident happens and Andrea's entire life is thrown into turmoil. Along the way, the film uses clear, calm images to show us the simplicity and loneliness of life in an insignificant place somewhere in the countryside.

Birgit Minichmayr as Andrea, who has been the most sought-after Austrian actress in the German-speaking world for some time now, carries the film with incredible presence, and that's a good thing, because the story offers hardly any external tension. Everything happens in the moment and her restrained performance gives the viewer just enough insight to understand her next steps. However, she is supported in the supporting roles by an impressive array of acting greats in some very small but fine roles. Thomas Stipsits in particular, who, like Hader, comes from the cabaret scene and is enjoying increasing success in film, puts on a great performance in the role of the drunken husband of a young man.

Josef Hader appears here as the second main character in the plot, although he primarily acts as a catalyst for the developing story. His character has all the typical Hader characteristics: a loner squared with a penchant for self-dismantling. Despite the occasional situation comedy that arises from this, it is ultimately this honesty towards himself that will ultimately save Andrea from her inner shell.

No pun intended - you'll understand once you watch the movie. Apparently this is only the second movie Hader directed! I know I have seen him a few times in front of the camera - he has quite the important role in this one too. I reckon he could have played the husband - but he chose another very known actor for that one.

The movie highlights the mundane .. the everyday stuff. But always finds the humor in any situation. Be it uncomfortable (talking about a sick man and the future of his belongings if he dies, without saying it out loud to name one) or just awkward. There is some beer "wasting" - but if you watch why ... well you won't think it ... "sucks" (not sure how the translation works with that one to be honest - it may blow hard .... well you'll see or rather hear if it works).

That all said, the movie starts off as it ends ... silent ... but things have changed ... a lot! Just not in a fast manner - still well done!