I Was at Home, But...
I Was at Home, But...

Movie spotlight

I Was at Home, But...

2019
Movie
105 min
German

After a 13-year-old student disappears without a trace for a week and suddenly reappears, his mother and teachers are confronted with existential questions that change their whole view of life.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic81/100
Director: Angela SchanelecGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Astrid's teenage son suddenly disappears, only to return a week later acting as if nothing has happened. As she tries to understand his absence and changed behavior, Astrid grapples with her own isolation and the complexities of human connection. The film unfolds with a deliberate, observational style, focusing on small gestures and unspoken emotions.

Critical Reception

Angela Schanelec's 'I Was at Home, But...' is a challenging yet rewarding arthouse film that has garnered critical acclaim for its unique narrative structure and profound exploration of grief and family dynamics. Critics often praise its contemplative pace and symbolic imagery, though some find its elusive nature disorienting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its enigmatic and artistic approach to complex themes.

  • Acknowledged for Maren Eggert's subtle and compelling performance.

  • Noted for its deliberately ambiguous narrative, which can be polarizing.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available, but critical reviews highlight its intellectual depth and unique cinematic style.

Awards & Accolades

Selected for the competition at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival, where Angela Schanelec received the Silver Bear for Best Director.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'I Was at Home, But...', directly reflects the feeling of absence and detachment experienced by the protagonist, even when physically present.

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