What We Wanted
Ratings: 3.5/5
Duration: 1hr 55 min
Language: German
Genre: Drama
Director: Ulrike Kofler
Writer: Ulrike Kofler, Sandra Bohle, Marie Kreutzer
Based On: Der Lauf der Dinge by Peter Stamm
Producer: Alexander Glehr, Johanna Scherz
Music: Thomas-Adam Habuda
Cinematography: Robert Oberrainer
Editing: Marie Kreutzer
Art Direction: Gerald Freimuth
Release Date: 11 November, 2020
Streaming On: Netflix
Star Cast: Lavinia Wilson, Elyas M'Barek, Anna Unterberger, Lukas Spisser, Iva Höpperger, Fedor Teyml, Marta Manduca
Plot:
A couple facing fertility issues finds their marriage tested on a vacation to a Sardinian resort, and the family next door only adds to the tension.
Review:
‘What We Wanted’ is a relationship drama and the directorial debut of editor Ulrike Kofler and well worth checking out.
Lavinia Wilson and Elyas M’Barek take centre stage as Alice and Niklas, a couple who have struggled for a long time to have children, both naturally and with help, and who’re beginning to break apart at the seams from the physical, emotional, and financial frustration that has built up in the attempts. Having undergone several rounds of IVF, the doctor recommends them to take a break. Apart from fertility issues, we also get to know that the couple has money troubles, especially because their house is getting renovated. Considering the high-stress situation, they decide to go on holiday.
Here, they find themselves temporary neighbours of a seemingly perfect couple-next-door, Romed (Lukas Spisser) and Christl (Anna Unterberger), and their children Denise (Iva Höpperger) and David (Fedor Teyml) - this element adds to the already existing drama in the film.
It is the script by Kofler but alongside Sandra Bohle, with contributions from Marie Kreutzer and adapted from a short story by Peter Stamm, that conspires to let ‘What We Wanted’ down with heavy contrasts.
The worsening relationship between Alice and Niklas is well-depicted, presenting a very natural and gradual breakdown of communication and emotions between them. Conversations with time become monotonous; while moments of romance smokes out.
Robert Oberrainer’s cinematography is thoughtful. The film carefully develops character dynamics and the performances are nuanced. The Niklas and Alice’s strained relationship and their inability to conceive, or just in trouble in general leaves much anticipation.
‘What We Wanted’ tackles various themes such as infertility, grief and discusses various intimate issues pertaining to appearances and happiness. For Alice and Niklas, Christl’s family is everything that they want, but as the story progress we get to see the surface of their falling apart relationship because of this very reason.
The film is emotionally very dense and, like most other indie movies, is an extremely calming experience. The movie does not rush through and takes its time to open up to its audiences.
Milestones:
- Submitted to the 93rd Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film.
