The Good Sister is the second film to premiere at the Berlinale film festival. The film is written by Sarah Miro Fischer & Agnes Maagaard Petersen, and directed by Fisher. The film also stars Marie Bloching, Anton Weil, Proschat Madani, Laura Balzer, and Jane Chirwa. Rose (Bloching) is close to her older brother, Sam. When a woman accuses Sam of rape, Rose is asked to testify in the investigation against him, testing both their relationship and her moral integrity.

When I initially got asked if I wanted to screen the Berlinale films ahead of time, I was hesitant at first as it was right around such a busy time for me, both personally and professionally. I knew nothing of the films nor anyone who made or starred in the film. Yet, I decided to say yes, because I love international films and they tend to really resonate with me. I am so glad that I did, because the festival is currently 2 for 2 right now.

The film takes a unique approach with its story. It’s only about 90 minutes long, and yet, the first half makes it seem like this will be a completely different story. I didn’t know anything about this going in, but with a brisk runtime, I was expecting something simple. Just when the big revelation hits, you fully realize what you are watching.

The second half does an incredible job at making you look at the first half differently. Not only does the first half set the groundwork, but it makes you revisit certain scenes that were not at all what you thought they were. It creates a very haunting experience that is quite unsettling. With only 90 minutes, I still wish we got more that could have made it intense. I am not asking for it to be exactly like Anatomy of a Fall, but the themes are there that make you question what exactly happened. I wanted more of that. I could see a much longer, detailed movie.

Nonetheless, the film is still carried by a phenomenal performance from lead actress Marie Bloching. When she is first introduced, she is already navigating a new change in her life. When the reality of her brother’s accusation hits, she has to overcome another change – one that does question who exactly she is. Bloching’s performance gives her character realism through her actions as she has to wrestle with what she does and the repercussions of it.

Just as the film was wrapping up, I really wanted it to end where it did and it did. The open-ended conclusion won’t be for everyone. I love endings like this as it makes you question what happens and your own morals. It wouldn’t have been possible without Bloching’s incredible performance and Fischer’s impeccable direction. I also have to give props to Anton Weil who played the brother, Sam. His character goes through a complete meltdown that is portrayed accurately.

Overall, I can easily see The Good Sister being widely talked about as it becomes more available. The way the film wrestles with morals will leave viewers pondering long after watching it. Marie Bloching gives a tremendous performance that makes me want to see whatever she does next, and Sarah Miro Fischer proves to be an effective director with grounded stories to tell. The pacing may not be for everyone and the short runtime may leave viewers wanting more, but what they accomplish here is commendable work.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 (Pretty Good)