In Beating Cells

The sun is setting on couples Rico and Eva and Friedrich and Julia's forest road trip. Tight bonds have formed across the group, none more so than between free-spirited Rico and vertical thinker Friedrich, who is coming to terms with a side of his sexuality that had previously remained in the shadows. As the foursome drink, party, swim and while away the hours by a picturesque lake, the food supplies dwindle, and the sheen starts to come off their idyllic escape.

Directed by Richard Kranzin, In Beating Cells leans on a strong ensemble — Philipp Kronenberg, Lukas Sperber, Linn Reusse — 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 2017.