In German cinema, Christian Petzold has long held the torch as a master storyteller, and his newest movie, Afire, only solidifies his position as a filmmaker of profound emotional depth and singular vision. Known for his melodramatic genre touch reminiscent of Hitchcock and Fincher, Petzold brings us a searing drama that dissects not only the creative process but also the complexities of human connections.
At the heart of Afire is writer Leon, portrayed with gritty authenticity and distaste by Thomas Schubert. Leon’s struggle with his latest novel becomes a mirror reflecting his worst impulses and character flaws. Christian Petzold strategically unveils the intricacies of a writer’s mind, making Leon an admittedly relatable yet discomforting figure. The film, much like Petzold’s previous bests like Phoenix, thrives on the exploration of characters whose flaws make them achingly human.
The narrative unfolds during Leon’s supposed getaway trip to finish his novel, a journey that only leads him deeper into detours and distractions. Petzold takes aim at the very essence of writers, revealing their specific personalities and the internal battles that arise during the creative process. Leon’s actions, brutally blunt and obsessive, make him a character you simultaneously slightly empathize with and cringe at. Petzold achieves a rare feat in making the audience feel squeamish about the protagonist’s actions, a testament to his skill in creating intense and engaging psychological dramas.
Leon’s troubled friendship with Felix (Langston Uibel with a swath of charisma and innocence) adds another layer of complexity to the story. Felix becomes the unfortunate recipient of Leon’s erratic behavior, bearing the brunt of his friend’s creative frustrations. Petzold dives into the dynamics of friendship, portraying the collateral damage inflicted by artistic obsession and compulsion.
As the story unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of the Baltic Sea, Paula Beer’s mysterious Nadja becomes a catalyst for both Leon’s creative block and personal revelations. Beer’s performance is magnetic, embodying the passion and honesty that forces Leon to confront his artistic inadequacies. The chemistry between Schubert and Beer crackles on screen, adding depth to the film’s exploration of love, desire, and self-discovery.
Petzold, true to form, infuses Afire with tension that simmers beneath the surface, mirroring the encroaching forest fires that circle the characters. The metaphorical and literal fires become a powerful backdrop, intensifying the emotional stakes and pushing the characters to confront their fears and desires. The film’s final moments, much like Petzold’s previous works, linger, leaving the audience with a sense of unease and contemplation.
Afire, although lean and close-quartered, stands as another highlight in Christian Petzold’s illustrious filmography. With its intense character study, evocative cinematography by Hans Fromm, and a haunting score, the film cements Petzold’s reputation as a must-see filmmaker. It’s a riveting exploration of artistic struggles and the burning desire for creative fulfillment.
Score: 8/10
Watch Afire (2023) on The Criterion Channel and VOD
Afire Cast
Cast
Thomas Schubert as Leon
Paula Beer as Nadja
Langston Uibel as Felix
Enno Trebs as David
Matthias Brandt as Helmut
Crew
Director: Christian Petzold
Writer: Christian Petzold
Cinematography: Hans Fromm
Editor: Bettina Böhler
