Afire

Buoyed by pitch-perfect performances from the cast... the film balances its humor and pathos with a natural ease, ending with a satisfying conclusion. All qualities of any good story.

Christian Petzold returns with something lighter, funnier and more instantly-lovable than his recent run, bringing regular leading lady Paula Beer along for the ride.

It’s a potent image after all: the characters are on the frontline of a climate emergency. And they’re oblivious, unable to grasp the threat until it’s too late.

...the careful control displayed throughout Afire allows its deep, elegant characterizations to persist through the narrative smog, long after the rest of the film burns away.

...the way this film steers into tragedy is wrenching... ...“Afire” draws you in confidently and prepares its knockout emotional punch with scrupulousness and a vivid sense of surprise.