Haus der Stille

Well not really, but you get what I am trying to do here, so no pun intended as always. This tries to portray and engage with the subject matter quite delicate ... but still in the disguise of a thriller.

Is what you're seeing real? Or what is real and what is not sort of way. It is well played - but something is missing to really give this the push it may need. It's decent overall in my book, but may be a bit too slow moving for most people I reckon. Also read after watching this, that this is the first feature done by the director ... well not a bad place to start ... well it is literally speaking, but ... well no pun intended to cap this off.

"Haus der Stille" (House of Silence) is an intense, atmospheric film that bravely tackles the subject of trauma. The story of Sorel, who retreats to an isolated house after an abusive relationship, feels painfully honest and symbolic of the inner battles many face after psychological abuse. The cinematic style is very strong - slow, almost meditative camera movements build an eerie tension, constantly blurring the line between reality and memory. The Lüneburg Heath, usually a peaceful place, becomes unsettling and isolating through the lens. As an actress, Simone Geißler delivers a raw and vulnerable performance - you can tell she knows and lives this character. The supporting roles, especially Marius, have depth, even though they're used sparingly. The dialogue is minimalistic, which fits the heavy atmosphere - often, a glance or a moment of silence says more than words. What I loved most was the meta-layer with the book Sorel is writing, and how fiction and reality start to intertwine. It turns the film into a reflection not only on trauma, but also on the stories we tell ourselves to survive. It's a film you need to watch more than once to truly catch all its layers. "Haus der Stille" is a brave, deeply personal, and visually striking film - not perfect, but it touched me deeply with its honesty and artistic vision. You can feel it's a true passion project from Simone Geißler.

I recently had the pleasure of watching Haus der Stille at a special screening event, where director and lead actress Simone Geißler engaged with the audience in a post-film Q&A. Her passion and dedication were evident, and the film itself left a lasting impression.

Set against the serene backdrop of the Lüneburg Heath, the story follows author Sorel, portrayed by Geißler, as she seeks solitude to pen her novel. However, her retreat takes a dark turn when unsettling events begin to unfold, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The film masterfully delves into themes of trauma and the lingering effects of violence, presenting a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking.

What stands out is the exceptional work of Simone Geißler, who not only directed this compelling piece but also delivered a powerful performance as the protagonist. It's remarkable to learn that this was achieved on a shoestring budget. The twist at the end is particularly striking, leaving audiences reflecting long after the credits roll.

Haus der Stille is a testament to what can be accomplished with vision and determination. It's a strong debut that signals a promising future for Geißler. I wholeheartedly recommend this film to anyone interested in psychological thrillers that challenge and engage.