Next door

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.

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 ...

This is pretty miserable, even for a dramedy, but I generally liked what it was going for, even if the execution left a bit to be desired. I kept thinking of Banshees of Inisherin at times, but maybe only because of all the drinking and because Daniel Bruhl's co-star looked a little like Brendan Gleeson.

I wonder if Bruhl had a bad experience with someone who didn't like his acting at a bar, and then made this film to imagine that interaction being pushed as far as possible. If Misery is about a creative person encountering their number #1 fan, but that fan is crazy, then Next Door is about encountering one's number #1 hater, but that hater is a bit less crazy. Also, they don't want to do physical harm, but seem willing to go to great lengths to inflict psychological torment.

The stress caused is almost funny, but it's mostly just bitter and downbeat. It's a nihilistic watch, so some of that lack of satisfaction is intended, but still, I wish it had just had something more to offer by the time it started wrapping up.

If you're after a bottle movie, this works decently enough, though. It is solidly acted and directed, and proves mostly engaging for its brief runtime. It's not quite a great film, but Next Door is solid enough. I don't regret watching it, and it's always nice to find the time to check out something offbeat and far from widely discussed.

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.