Movie Discovery of the Day: The Assistant (2025) by Wilhelm Sasnal, Anka Sasnal

About movie: https://www.lightsonfilm.com/theassistant.html

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/473473/

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35449513/

Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/the-assistant

Detailed Summary: "The Assistant" is an adaptation of Robert Walser's 1908 novel, set in the early 20th century. The film tells the story of Joseph Marti, an unremarkable bookbinder who leaves his job after being mistreated. He finds employment as the live-in assistant to engineer Karl Tobler, an inventor living in a villa with his wife and child. Tobler's business is in a state of decline, but Joseph is hired to believe in his grandiose and ultimately hopeless inventions. As Joseph becomes more involved in the household's rituals, he witnesses its slow collapse and draws parallels to contemporary neo-liberal society. The film explores themes of servitude, ambition, and human connection within a dreamlike narrative that bridges historical and modern contexts, shot on film with aesthetics reminiscent of 1970s cinema.

Plot Summary: Joseph Marti, a bookbinder, seeks new employment and becomes the assistant to engineer and inventor Karl Tobler. Joseph moves into Tobler's villa and is expected to support his employer's ambitious but failing ventures. He takes on various responsibilities, including bookkeeping and correspondence, and gains the confidence of Tobler's wife. The film follows Joseph's experiences within the household as he observes the inventor's business decline, the complex family dynamics, and the themes of power and dependence.

Director's Vision: Wilhelm and Anka Sasnal's vision for "The Assistant" is to create a film that is both a period piece, capturing the texture of the early 20th century, and a commentary on contemporary society. They aim to draw parallels between the dynamics of servitude and ambition depicted in Robert Walser's novel and the realities of modern neo-liberal structures. The directors employ a dreamlike narrative, bridging history and modernity through the film's visual style, which echoes the aesthetics of 1970s cinema and is shot on film. They utilize specific cinematic techniques, such as deliberate zooms, and incorporate anachronistic musical elements to encourage reflection on the protagonist's situation as an allegorical tale of enduring themes.

Themes:

• Servitude and Labor: The film explores the dynamics of a working relationship where the employee is expected to be endlessly supportive despite the employer's failings. It delves into the precarity of labor and the dependence of the assistant on his employer.

• Ambition and Failure: Engineer Tobler is portrayed as an ambitious inventor whose projects are ultimately unsuccessful. The film examines how this failure impacts those around him, particularly his assistant who is hired to believe in these unrealized dreams.

• Human Connection (or Lack Thereof): While Joseph forms a connection with Tobler's wife, the relationships within the household are complex and often strained. The film explores the nature of these connections in a setting of decline.

• Social Commentary: By drawing parallels to contemporary neo-liberal society, the film critiques modern economic structures and the often-desperate situations individuals find themselves in. The role of the "eternal assistant" can be seen as a metaphor for precarious labor in today's world.

• Power Dynamics: The relationship between Tobler and Joseph highlights the power imbalance between employer and employee, where Joseph's personal dignity and basic survival are constantly challenged.

Key Success Factors:

• Literary Adaptation: Being based on a novel by the esteemed Swiss modernist writer Robert Walser provides the film with a strong foundation and potential interest from literary audiences.

• Artistic and Visual Style: The film is described as visually and sonically opulent, with stunning pastoral locations, lush cinematography by Wilhelm Sasnal, and a transfixing electronic score, along with an impeccable sense of style.

• Strong Central Performance: Piotr Trojan's portrayal of Joseph Marti has been highlighted as a "star-making turn," suggesting a compelling and engaging lead performance.

• Bridging of Historical and Modern Contexts: The film's ability to draw parallels between the early 20th-century setting and contemporary societal issues offers a layer of depth and relevance that can resonate with viewers.

• Recognition at Film Festivals: Premiering at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Big Screen Competition and having a North American premiere at the New Directors/New Films Festival indicates critical interest and a platform for wider recognition.

Summary Short: Adapted from Robert Walser's novel, "The Assistant" portrays Joseph Marti, an assistant to a failing inventor in the early 20th century, whose experiences reflect enduring themes of servitude, ambition, and societal critique, presented with a distinct artistic and dreamlike style.

Awards and Nominations: "The Assistant" was nominated for the Big Screen Competition award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in 2025.

Critics Reception: Critics have noted the film's unique approach, blending period drama with anachronistic elements and social commentary.

• The Film Verdict: Describes it as a "unique, inspired interpretation" that amplifies Robert Walser's novel, capturing the oppression of wage labor. It acknowledges the film's left-field strangeness but praises its ability to resonate with Walser fans and artistically adventurous viewers.

• Anton Kern Gallery: Highlights the "star-making turn" of Piotr Trojan and the film's "visually and sonically opulent" nature, emphasizing its stunning locations, cinematography, electronic score, and fashion sense.

• Cineuropa: Notes the period drama feel complemented by rigorous production design but mentions a lack of insight into Marti's interiority, making it harder to connect with the character. The review points out the use of anachronistic musical elements and scenes that suggest an allegorical reading of the story.

• DMovies: Describes it as an experiment in form, a period drama, a literary adaptation, a criticism of capitalism, and an experimental arthouse movie with touches of 1970s' loucheness. The review mentions the humor coming from the performances but suggests the film could be shorter.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "The Assistant" has been received as an artistically ambitious and thought-provoking adaptation that offers social commentary through its historical setting. Critics have praised its visual and sonic elements, as well as the lead performance. However, some have noted a potential emotional distance from the main character and a feeling that the film could be more concise.

Reviews:

• MOMA: Describes the film as "visually and sonically opulent" with "stunning pastoral locations, lush cinematography, a transfixing electronic score (to say nothing of its expertly deployed Smiths cue), and supreme fashion sense." 1  It highlights the timeless themes of servitude, ambition, and human connection.   

• Film at Lincoln Center: Echoes the sentiment of visual and sonic opulence, noting the film's exploration of the invisible bonds that shape and constrain individuals.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews emphasize the film's strong artistic qualities, particularly its visual and auditory design, and its exploration of enduring human themes within a compelling narrative.

Production: "The Assistant" is a co-production between Poland and the United Kingdom, shot on film. Its production design by Ewelina Gąsior meticulously recreates the early 20th-century setting, while Wilhelm Sasnal also served as the cinematographer.

Production Companies:

• Luna Film (Poland)

• Sadie Coles HQ (UK)

Sales Companies:

• Lights On - This company is responsible for the international sales of "The Assistant."

Distribution Companies: While specific distribution companies for a wider release are not explicitly mentioned, the film has been screened at major film festivals like the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and the New Directors/New Films Festival in North America, suggesting potential future distribution.

Release Date:

• Theatrical Release: Limited information on a widespread theatrical release is available. It premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in January 2025 and had its North American premiere at the New Directors/New Films Festival in April 2025.

• Streaming Release: Information on a specific streaming release date is not available in the provided search results.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For fans of Literary Adaptations: Based on a novel by Robert Walser, a significant figure in modernist literature.

• Appreciation for Art House and Independent Cinema: The film offers a unique artistic vision and narrative approach.

• Interest in Social Commentary: It subtly critiques modern societal structures through a historical lens.

• Visually and Aurally Striking Experience: Praised for its cinematography, score, and overall aesthetic.

Why to Watch Movie:

• Witness a Compelling Lead Performance: Piotr Trojan's performance as Joseph has been highly praised.

• Experience the Unique Directorial Style of Wilhelm and Anka Sasnal: Known for their artful and thought-provoking filmmaking.

• Explore Themes of Power, Servitude, and Ambition: Offers a nuanced look at these enduring human dynamics.

• Engage with a Film that Bridges Historical and Contemporary Relevance: The themes explored resonate with modern issues of labor and social structures.

What Movie Trend film is following:

• Literary Adaptations: Adapting classic or significant literary works into film continues to be a trend, offering filmmakers rich source material and often attracting audiences familiar with the books.

• Art House Cinema with Social Commentary: Many contemporary art house films blend artistic expression with critiques of societal issues, inviting viewers to engage on both aesthetic and intellectual levels.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Examination of Economic Inequality and Labor: The film's themes of servitude and precarious labor reflect ongoing social discussions about economic disparities and the nature of work in contemporary society.

Final Verdict: "The Assistant" is an artistically accomplished and thought-provoking film that offers a unique adaptation of Robert Walser's novel. Its striking visual and sonic design, combined with a compelling lead performance, create a memorable cinematic experience. While its pacing and stylistic choices might appeal more to fans of art house cinema, its underlying themes of social critique and human dynamics offer substance for a wider audience.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Consider Literary Works for Rich Source Material: Adapting established literary works can provide a strong narrative foundation and attract a discerning audience.

• Don't Shy Away from Blending Historical Settings with Contemporary Relevance: Finding ways to connect past narratives with present-day issues can add depth and resonance to a film.

• Pay Close Attention to Visual and Auditory Design: As demonstrated in "The Assistant," strong cinematography, production design, and a distinctive score can significantly enhance the film's atmosphere and impact.

• Trust in the Power of Strong Central Performances: A compelling lead actor can anchor a film and draw viewers into the narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Diverse Forms of Storytelling: Encourage the production and distribution of films that blend genres and artistic approaches, such as "The Assistant"'s combination of period drama, social commentary, and art house aesthetics.

• Recognize the Value of Adaptations: Continue to invest in adaptations of literary works, as they often bring established narratives and audiences to the cinematic world.

• Provide Platforms for International Co-productions: Films like this Polish-UK co-production highlight the potential for creative collaboration across borders.

• Support Film Festivals: Festivals play a crucial role in showcasing and promoting unique and challenging films that may not find immediate mainstream distribution.