Rigor Samsa

The impulsive Caro moves to Kiel in a hurry to make a fresh start. The 29-year-old was terminated after she resisted her former boss's advances. Since then, she has been trying to control her impulsive temper and her anger, which comes up quickly. She wants to forget what happened and reorganize her life. Even when she moves in, neighbor and property manager Manfred is very accommodating and lends her tools. But his pushy friendliness seems all too familiar to Caro. The early retiree has a weakness for pretty young women and is known as a patterer. Caro has taken a direct liking to him and he is convinced that her reserve conceals great affection for him. When Caro comes home one day, an uninvited gift from her new neighbor is lurking behind her apartment door. Following her angry impulse, Caro confronts Manfred the same evening.

Directed by Ann-Kristin Faber, Rigor Samsa leans on a strong ensemble — Matthias Kress, Lara Ziffer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 0.