Toni Erdmann

Please note that the film does not have fully English dialogue or subtitles!

Ines (Sandra Hüller) is an ambitious, Bucharest-based consultant, who dreams of a better job. The ruthlessly goal-oriented nature of her job has shaped her into a strained and humourless ball of stress who executes life in a strictly calculated way. The main priorities of Ines’ teacher father Winfried (Peter Simonischek), however, are practical jokes and jet-black humour. That’s precisely why he becomes worried about his dour daughter and pays her a surprise visit.

After a quick look at the situation, Winfried comes to the conclusion that the situation requires the help of Toni Erdmann. The end justifies the means is a saying that surely doesn’t occur to appalled Ines, as Toni Erdmann, decked in a wig and dentures, emerges into Ines’ work, free time and every other section of her perfectly controlled life. If there’s nothing left to control, should you just let go?

Hundreds of films have been made about the relationships between parents and children, but none like Toni Erdmann. Peter Simonischek stands out in his so-called double role, but the star of the show is still Sandra Hüller, whose rock-hard shell begins to crack for the viewers’ enjoyment. Toni Erdmann, written and directed by Maren Ade, is a true gem of a film, and there’s no need to be startled by its duration.

Santtu Nikula (translated by Vilja Hynynen)

The free screening is presented together with European Parliament. The film is subtitled in Finnish and Swedish.