What We Wanted
What We Wanted

Movie spotlight

What We Wanted

2020
Movie
94 min
German

Alice and Niklas are a young couple who's biggest wish is to have a child of their own. After several failed attempts they decide to go on a holiday in Sardinia to clear their minds. There they meet a family from Austria that seems to have everything they ever wished for. But appearances can be deceiving...

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Ulrich SeidlGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A couple grappling with infertility undertakes a fertility treatment vacation in Cyprus, hoping to conceive a child. Amidst the sterile and transactional environment of the clinic, they confront their deepest desires, the emotional toll of their journey, and the complexities of their relationship. The film explores the psychological impact of reproductive technologies and the societal pressures surrounding parenthood.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its unflinching portrayal of a sensitive subject and Seidl's characteristic observational style. Others found it to be emotionally distant and overly bleak, questioning its narrative focus. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with many finding the subject matter difficult but acknowledging its artistic merit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stark, unvarnished look at the emotional and psychological toll of infertility treatments.

  • Criticized by some for its perceived emotional coldness and bleak outlook on the characters' struggles.

  • Ulrich Seidl's signature observational and often uncomfortable directorial style is evident throughout.

Google audience: Information not readily available for specific Google user reviews or ratings.

Awards & Accolades

Premiered at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Ulrich Seidl is known for his provocative and often controversial documentaries and fictional films that delve into taboo subjects with a detached, observational style.

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