Directed by:
Christian PetzoldScreenplay:
Christian PetzoldCinematography:
Hans FrommComposer:
Stefan WillCast:
Nina Hoss, Devid Striesow, Hinnerk Schönemann, Wanja Mues, Barbara Auer, Burghart Klaußner, Martin Brambach, Peter Benedict, Peter Knaack, Joachim NimtzVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Yella has decided to leave her small town in eastern Germany for a promising job and a new life on the other side of the Elbe, leaving behind a failed marriage and broken dreams. In Hannover, Yella meets Philipp, a young executive at an equity firm, who gives her a job as his assistant.
Although she has no knowledge of the world of venture capital, steel-and-glass offices and discretely-lit hotel lobbies, Yella soon discovers she has a knack with ruthless businessmen. Negotiations become a thrilling game of quick wits in which Yella's looks and icy demeanour are major assets. Yella sees a potential future with Philipp. He is serious, determined, and his goals could become shared projects. It seems ambitious Yella could finally get everything she has ever wanted.
But strange voices and sounds are plaguing Yella – truths from her past coming back to haunt her. She begins to worry that her new life could be too good to be true. She's determined to keep her eyes open – because those who sleep could well experience a rude awakening.
(Berlinale)
Cast
Nina Hoss
West Germany
Best movies:
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (2023)
Tár (2022)
The Elementary Particles (2006)
Devid Striesow
East Germany
Best movies:
Downfall (2004)
Before the Fall (2004)
My Brother Simple (2017)
Hinnerk Schönemann
East Germany
Best movies:
The Lives of Others (2006)
Conspiracy (2001) (TV movie)
Happy As One (2006)
Wanja Mues
West Germany
Best movies:
The Pianist (2002)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Gloomy Sunday (1999)
Barbara Auer
West Germany
Best movies:
Herzlich willkommen (1990)
The Book Thief (2013)
Grzimek (2015) (TV movie)
Burghart Klaußner
Germany
Best movies:
The Reader (2008)
The White Ribbon (2009)
Bridge of Spies (2015)
Martin Brambach
East Germany
Best movies:
The Lives of Others (2006)
Comedian Harmonists (1997)
The Reader (2008)
Peter Benedict
Switzerland
Best movies:
1864 - Brødre i krig (2014)
54 Hours (2018) (series)
Heartbeats (2010)
Peter Knaack
West Germany
Best movies:
Yella (2007)
Die Toten vom Bodensee (2014) (series)
Tatort (1970) (series)
Joachim Nimtz
East Germany
Best movies:
Frozen Sky (2011) (series)
Operation Valkyrie (2004) (TV movie)
Yella (2007)