Next Door

I can not imagine how much time and thinking needs to go into such a movie. There is not a lot happening, besides a couple people talking. And still, you feel the tension in every frame. Plus nothing feels forced or scripted. The pacing is just on point.

I am happy that his movie ended up being as good as it is. Hope he does more in the future.

I would describe this as a drama and the performances of every actor are brilliant. They bounce of each other and the dialogue flows. This must be the best drama created during lockdown times that I have seen. Bruhl, as ever, has done an excellent job.

Berlin - a city that still has its issues with its past. And while it states here that it is a comedy - I'd call that a bit of a far stretch. I'd call it a drama - with quite bit of comedic touches. Some may even feel this is a thriller. The way the trailer is cut certainly gives that impression (thankfully I only saw that after I had seen the movie).

Daniel Brühl can not only draw from his experience as an actor (the role he is offered may or may not be a wink at his Marvel role), but also his spanish roots - from one of his parents side that is. We knew that he is a great actor, but with this he seems to establish himself as a really good director as well. He certainly had a quite the tight script to work with - which always helps.

How good do we know our neighbors or anyone in close proximity to us? This has some bits of a spanish thriller I've seen, where misery played a big role. But it is not a remake of that, it has quite a few other elements in it. It is about fame, about relationships and more importantly about trust. Also it deals with the Stasi in a really clever way. Highly recommended, even if there may be times where it seems to come to a full stop .. a new revelation/twist will keep you on the edge of your seat ...

All I knew was that the movie would play in a corner bar in Berlin for most of the time. Therefore, I didn't expect much suspense but was proven wrong very quickly. It has amazingly written dialogues, superb acting by both lead actors and thus, doesn't get boring for even a split second.

I observed myself rooting for both lead characters in turns. Also, it gives you a lot to think about: Stasi, gentrification, envy, the value of money and fame.

The fact that Daniel Brühl plays a character seemingly close to himself (actor, german-spanish, two sons, superhero roles in the making) made it only better.

Nice storyline, great acting. If you are from Berlin you will enjoy the images. Nice job Daniel Bruhl.