Brandnächte

To find out the truth about her sister's death, lawyer Julia returns to her home village in the foothills of the Alps, where the gruesome murder took place eight years ago. A mysterious email she receives opens up old wounds and makes her doubt whether the police convicted the right person back then. Step by step, she delves deeper into a web of lies and half-truths, putting herself in danger in the process. Julia wants to confront the past and find her sister's real murderer. She seeks contact with Inspector Maurer, who once led the investigation. The taciturn investigator is now suspended from duty and seems to know more than he is letting on. The behavior of psychologist Lisa Poldack, who has been treating the recently deceased perpetrator since his confession, is also puzzling.

Directed by Matti Geschonneck, Brandnächte leans on a strong ensemble — Tobias Moretti, Barbara Auer, Sophie von Kessel — 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 tv movie titles of 2017.