Movies: Dying (2024) by Matthias Glasner: A Family Saga on the Absurdity of Existence

A Family Confronts Mortality

Dying (original title: Sterben) is a 2024 German comedy-drama film written and directed by Matthias Glasner. The film is a sprawling and darkly humorous epic that follows the dysfunctional Lunies family as they navigate the physical and emotional decline of their elderly parents. The story is told in five chapters, each focusing on a different family member, revealing their individual struggles and the deep-seated issues that have estranged them for years. It's a raw and honest portrayal of life, death, and everything in between, earning praise for its emotional depth and unflinching look at difficult subjects.

Why to watch this movie: An Unflinching Look at Life and Death

• A unique blend of genres: The movie masterfully balances deep tragedy with moments of black comedy, creating a tone that is both devastating and surprisingly entertaining. It avoids being a pure "misery fest" by finding humor in the absurdity of life and death, making the difficult subject matter more palatable and relatable.

• Stellar performances: The cast, particularly Lars Eidinger and Corinna Harfouch, delivers tour-de-force performances that bring these complex and flawed characters to life. Their nuanced portrayals are essential to the film's success, allowing the audience to connect with and understand even the most unlikable characters.

• An honest and personal story: Inspired by director Matthias Glasner's own experiences with his aging parents, the film feels deeply personal and authentic. This honesty is its greatest strength, as it tackles universal themes of family, guilt, and the process of dying in a way that feels true to life.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/dying (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/dying (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/dying (France), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/sterben-2024 (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/nl/movie/dying (Netherlands)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27165281/

About movie: https://www.the-match-factory.com/catalogue/films/dying.html

What Trend is followed? Breaking the Mold of the Family Drama

The film subverts the traditional family drama by embracing a fragmented, non-linear structure and an uncompromisingly honest tone.

• Fragmented storytelling: By dividing the story into five distinct chapters, each centered on a different character, the film offers multiple perspectives on a single event. This allows for a deeper exploration of each character's psyche and how they are individually affected by their family's dynamics.

• Tragicomedy: While films about death and family strife are not new, Dying stands out by its successful fusion of high-stakes drama with pitch-black humor. This blending of genres allows it to tackle heavy topics without becoming overly sentimental or preachy.

Director's Vision: The Tender Chaos of Humanity

• Glasner's primary goal was to make a film about life during the process of dying. He was inspired by the years-long process of his own parents' decline and wanted to explore the feelings of guilt and inadequacy that often accompany such a journey.

• He aimed for a tender, non-judgmental approach to his characters, believing that people are allowed to be who they are, with all their flaws and messy complexities.

• The film's use of music is central to its vision. The protagonist, a conductor, is working on a piece titled "Dying." For Glasner, this act of creating art about death is an act of hope, symbolizing that even amidst despair, there is still life and beauty to be found.

Themes: The Intertwining of Life and Death

• The Inevitability of Decay: The film confronts the physical and mental indignities of old age and death head-on, from dementia to cancer, without shying away from the raw, uncomfortable reality.

• Dysfunctional Family Dynamics: At its core, the film is a brutal but empathetic examination of a family fractured by old wounds and unresolved issues. It explores how a shared crisis can force estranged relatives to confront their past and their relationship with one another.

• Art as an Act of Hope: The character of Tom, a conductor, uses his art to process the overwhelming emotions of his life. The composition "Dying" serves as a central metaphor for the film's exploration of finding meaning and hope even in the face of suffering.

Key success factors: The Power of Authenticity

• Unflinching Realism: The film's success lies in its willingness to show the painful, often absurd realities of life and death. The characters and their situations feel incredibly authentic, which resonates deeply with audiences.

• Exceptional Acting: The strength of the performances, particularly from the lead actors, elevates the material, making the emotional journey of the characters believable and impactful. The cast's ability to handle both the dramatic and comedic elements is a significant factor in the film's appeal.

• Bold Direction: Glasner's ambitious and confident direction, including the generous three-hour runtime and the fragmented, chapter-based narrative, allows the story to unfold with the necessary depth and complexity.

Awards and Nominations: A Critically Acclaimed Masterpiece

The film has been highly decorated, receiving significant recognition. It won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Film Festival. At the German Film Awards, it swept the major categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay, and garnered awards for Best Leading Actor (Lars Eidinger), Best Leading Actress (Corinna Harfouch), Best Supporting Actor, and Best Score.

Critics Reception: A Devastating Yet Compelling Watch

• The Hollywood Reporter: Critics praised the film's impressive ability to maintain a delicate balance between tragedy and comedy, calling it "to die for."

• Metacritic: The film holds strong critic reviews, with many outlets like Slant Magazine and The Guardian giving it high scores. Critics noted that despite the depressing material, the film is a compelling experience due to its diligent script and nuanced performances.

• Loud and Clear Reviews: The review highlights the film's emotional intelligence and its success in portraying universal anxieties about death through honest emotions and a masterfully crafted script.

Overall Summary: Critics agree that Dying is a brutal but brilliant cinematic experience. While its subject matter is heavy and its runtime long, the film is lauded for its superb acting, authentic script, and unique blend of humor and pathos.

Reviews: A Human Saga of Life and Loss

• FILMHOUNDS Magazine: The review calls the film "authentically human but devastating." It praises the patient pacing, naturalistic performances, and the way the film reflects on life's peculiar and strange experiences alongside death.

• Journey Into Cinema: This review considers the film a "masterpiece" for its ability to navigate the space between personal expression and accessibility. It highlights the film's tragicomic pathos and the exceptional performances, especially from Lars Eidinger, calling his portrayal a "masterclass."

• Reddit (from r/TrueFilm): A user review describes the film as a deeply personal and honest work that explores themes of regret and unresolved parental friction. It notes that the film's raw, autobiographical feel makes it resonate with a wide audience.

Overall Summary: Reviews from various sources consistently praise the film for its emotional honesty, remarkable performances, and its ability to tackle difficult themes with a sense of raw realism. The film's length and episodic nature are sometimes noted as potential weaknesses but are ultimately seen as necessary for the story's depth.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Episodic Feature

This film is a prime example of the emerging trend of episodic feature films. It is a single, long film but is structured into distinct chapters or segments, each focusing on a different character or perspective. This format, reminiscent of a prestige television series, allows for a more in-depth exploration of characters and themes than a traditional movie structure would permit. It is often seen in ambitious, character-driven dramas.

What Big Social Trend is following: The "Messy" Family Saga

The film aligns with a social trend of embracing the "messy" family saga, a move away from idealized portrayals of family life. It reflects a growing public interest in stories that honestly depict family dysfunction, unresolved trauma, and the complex, often contradictory emotions that define our relationships with relatives.

Final Verdict: A Must-See Modern Masterpiece

Dying is an essential and unforgettable cinematic experience. It's a challenging, three-hour epic that rewards the viewer with a profound and deeply human story. It's not an easy watch, but it is an incredibly worthwhile one. With its exceptional cast, bold direction, and unflinching authenticity, the film succeeds as both a dark comedy and a heartbreaking drama, leaving a lasting impression. This film is a definitive statement on the beautiful, brutal, and often absurd process of living and dying.