Requiem (2006)

I really, really enjoy this film, largely because of an excellent central performance by Sandra Huller as a religious, and seriously ill young woman who finds freedom by going to university but suffers a breakdown from the stress of work and the fits that arise from her illness. She is torn between the fear that she may be possessed and the determination to achieve despite this. It is a subject that could easily be overcooked and become sensationalist horror but thanks to the intelligent and sensitive handling of director Hans-Christian Schmid, the film becomes an insightful examination of madness and religious zeal.

As we might suspect, Michaela has led a sheltered life, due to her over-protective parents, but thanks to her dad's support she is able to go to university (a year late) and begin discovering her independence. Once there she finds a best friend and a first love, but sadly her life is disrupted by terrifying fits that prevent her from praying or touching a crucifix. Whilst we today would understand the psychological explanations for this behaviour, Michaela, equally afraid of demons and further medical testing, consults her priest and is outraged when he is too scared to believe her. Resolving to work harder and be an exemplary student to oust the evil of Satan, Michaela alienates those close to her, angers her family and drives herself further into madness. The film escalates into horrific scenes of exorcism.

I would ordinarily be put off by a film of such subject matter but at all times the drama is underplayed and the risk of the subject being sensationalised is always avoided. Huller, whose background is in theatre, brilliantly portrays the confusion and determination of her character whilst also mastering the incredibly powerful and emotional scenes of madness. The complexities of the film are mostly present in the various relationships that exist: the cold and resentful interactions with her unemotive mother; the tender exchanges with her protective yet understanding father who tries to give her every opportunity possible; her gentle coming-of-age and subsequent destruction of her relationship with boyfriend Stefan; her interdependence on bestfriend Hanna that survives all adversity; her increasingly abusive treatment of her old-fashioned but liberal priest, Father Gerhard; and her resistance to the theologically sophisticated and indimidating Father Martin who leads the exorcisms.

Beyond the content the film looks great, thanks to Bogumil Godfrejow's cinematography that perfectly evokes the 1970s setting. The costumes, decor and excellent soundtrack all add to the atmosphere and the general result is a complete submersion in a society and moral and religious environment that we can believe would produce such paranoia. At the sane time, however, this is an intensely personal and intimate story about a girl struggling to become a woman.

I would definitely expect big things of Sandra Huller, and also hopefully Hans- Christian Schmid, as they both proved great talent in making a unique a deftly touching film. Everyone I know who has seen this film loved it but I don't know enough people who have seen it, so please do.