Der verlorene Sohn

Stefanie Schröder is overjoyed when she can finally embrace her son Rainer again. The young man, who had converted to Islam at the time, had spent two years in an Islamic prison on suspicion of terrorism. But life in Germany is anything but easy for Rainer. The secret service won't let him out of their sight, he can't find a job and integration into society is difficult. Firmly convinced that Rainer has finally renounced the jihad, the holy war, Stefanie finally obtains the termination of Rainer's surveillance. But just as everything seems to be taking a turn for the better, Stefanie is cruelly forced to realize how wrong she has been about her son.

Directed by Nina Grosse, Der verlorene Sohn leans on a strong ensemble — Kostja Ullmann, Katja Flint, Ben Unterkofler — 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 drama titles of 2009.