New Movies: Slackers (2025) by Sorina Gajewski

Slackers (2025) by Sorina Gajewski: A Raw and Refreshing Portrait of Teenage Mischief and Self-Discovery in Berlin

Sorina Gajewski makes her feature directorial debut with Slackers (original German title: Nulpen, meaning "idiots"), a vibrant and audacious coming-of-age drama that offers a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of two teenage girls navigating the urban landscape of Berlin. Premiering in early 2025 at the Max Ophüls Festival and garnering a Special Mention for Best Screenplay at the Achtung Berlin Film Festival,

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35149269/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/477144/

About movie: https://www.dffb.de/films/nulpen/

Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/slackers

Detailed Summary

Slackers introduces Ramona (Bella Lochmann) and Nicola (Pola Geiger), two spirited and mischievous teenage girls who are fresh out of school and facing a summer with little direction. Living in Berlin, their days are filled with an aimless pursuit of excitement, often leading to minor acts of rebellion and havoc. The film kicks off with a characteristic display of their devil-may-care attitude: a slingshot is loaded, a stone flies, and a neighbor's window shatters. In another impulsive act, they release a beloved bird belonging to a neighbor, setting off a chain of events.   

To at least half-heartedly attempt to repair the damage they've caused, Ramona and Nicola, along with Ramona's adorable younger brother Noah (Rio Kirchner) in tow, embark on an unconventional "road trip" through Berlin—on foot. What unfolds is not just a physical journey across the city, away from its iconic landmarks and tourist spots, but a deeper, more internal struggle. As they wander through the vibrant streets, occasionally stumbling into politically charged spaces like climate protests, they are forced to confront their friendship, their beliefs about themselves, and the uncertainties of their future.   

The film delves into the subtle cracks in their seemingly firm friendship, revealing how their differing backgrounds and aspirations threaten to pull them in separate directions. Beneath their arrogant, "devil-may-care" facade lies a deeper insecurity, which Noah, with his surprisingly mature reasoning, often highlights. Slackers is a raw, immersive portrait of teenage life, blending moments of chaos and mischief with unexpected instances of gentleness and profound self-discovery. It's a film that attempts to redefine the cinematic representation of Berlin from the perspective of its young, restless inhabitants.   

Plot Summary

Two teenage girls, Ramona and Nicola, fresh out of school and full of mischievous energy, cause minor trouble in Berlin. To partially make amends, they embark on an aimless journey through the city with Ramona's younger brother. This unconventional "road trip" forces them to confront their friendship, navigate personal struggles, and stumble upon unexpected moments of self-discovery amidst the vibrant urban landscape.   

Director's Vision

Sorina Gajewski, as both writer and director, aims to offer a contemporary and authentic "movie portrait of a city from the perspective of her own generation." Her vision for Slackers is characterized by a "balls-y attitude," reflecting the raw and sometimes arrogant facade of her characters. She seeks to capture the true "vibe of the real-life city," moving away from its internationally recognized landmarks to explore the everyday spaces where youth truly reside. Gajewski's work often negotiates political issues, including feminism and social injustice, and while not overtly preachy, these themes are woven into the fabric of the protagonists' experiences. She embraces a certain looseness in her narrative, drawing comparisons to Richard Linklater's Slacker, allowing for a more organic exploration of character and urban life.   

Themes

• Coming-of-Age and Identity: The struggles of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, seeking their place and identity outside the structure of school.   

• Friendship Dynamics: The complexities, challenges, and enduring bonds of teenage friendships under pressure.   

• Youth Rebellion and Mischief: The exploration of youthful impulsiveness, defiance, and the search for excitement.

• Urban Portrait of Berlin: A nuanced depiction of the city, focusing on its less-glamorous, more authentic everyday spaces.

• Underlying Insecurity and Facades: The film explores how arrogance and a "devil-may-care" attitude can mask deeper vulnerabilities.

• Social and Political Awareness: Subtle integration of current societal issues like climate protests into the teenagers' lived experiences.

Key Success Factors

• Authentic Portrayal of Youth: The film has been praised for its realistic and unvarnished depiction of teenage life and dialogue.

• Sorina Gajewski's Bold Debut: As a feature debut, it shows confidence and a distinctive voice, earning recognition at film festivals.   

• Strong Lead Performances: Bella Lochmann and Pola Geiger deliver compelling performances, carrying the film with their chemistry.

• Unique Berlin Setting: Offers a fresh perspective on the city, showcasing its less-explored facets and its role in shaping its young inhabitants.

• Relevant Themes: Addresses universal aspects of growing up, friendship, and the search for meaning that resonate with youth and beyond.   

Cast

• Pola Geiger as Nicola   

• Bella Lochmann as Ramona   

• Rio Kirchner as Noah (Ramona's younger brother)   

• Carl Bagnar   

• Katrine Eichberger

Awards and Nominations

Slackers has garnered several significant awards and nominations at various film festivals:

• Winner: Special Mention - Best Screenplay at Achtung Berlin Film Festival 2025   

• Nominated: Best Feature Film at Max Ophüls Preis Film Festival 2025 (World Premiere)

• Nominated: Best Feature Film at Achtung Berlin Film Festival 2025

• Nominated: Best Feature Film at Crossing Europe 2025

• Nominated: Fiktion - Langfilm (Fiction - Feature Film) at Goldener Spatz - Deutsches Kinder-Medienfestival 2025

Critics Reception

Critics have lauded Slackers as a "brave feature debut" for Sorina Gajewski, highlighting its raw energy and authentic portrayal of teenage life.   

• Cineuropa: Described it as "uneven, but brave," praising how Gajewski "tries to redefine the movie portrait of a city from the perspective of her own generation." They noted the "devil-may-care attitude verging on arrogance is a facade," and that the film successfully captures "the vibe of the real-life city, away from the landmarks."   

• Comparisons: Reviewers have drawn parallels to the "looseness" and observational style of Richard Linklater's Slacker, suggesting a similar aimless yet insightful exploration of character and environment.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics commend Slackers for its authentic and brave depiction of teenage girls in Berlin, praising Sorina Gajewski's directorial debut for its unique vision and the compelling performances of its young leads.

Reviews

Audience reviews, particularly from its festival circuit, have been positive. Viewers appreciate the film's raw honesty and its unvarnished look at adolescence. Many found the characters relatable despite their flaws, and the film's portrayal of Berlin as a vibrant, authentic backdrop resonated strongly. The chemistry between the lead actresses has also been a highlight for many.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews indicate that Slackers is a well-received and engaging coming-of-age drama that resonates with audiences through its authentic characters and immersive urban setting.

Box Office

As of May 2025, Slackers is an independent German production primarily showcased at film festivals. Box office figures are not widely available for such releases. Its success will be measured more by its critical acclaim, festival recognition, and its eventual distribution across various platforms.

Production

• Director: Sorina Gajewski

• Writer: Sorina Gajewski

• Producer: Sabrina Holzapfel   

• Cinematography: Hannes Schulze   

• Editing: Raffaéllo Lupperger   

• Music by: Lucas Castillo   

• Production Company: Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (DFFB) / German Film and Television Academy in Berlin (DFFB)   

• Production Country: Germany

• Language: German

• Running Time: 75 minutes   

• Filming Locations: Berlin, Germany (shot in summer 2023)

Theatrical Release

Slackers had its World Premiere on January 21, 2025, at the Max Ophüls Preis Film Festival in Germany.

It has since been screened at other film festivals, including:

• Achtung Berlin Film Festival 2025

• Crossing Europe 2025

• Goldener Spatz - Deutsches Kinder-Medienfestival 2025

Further theatrical release dates in Germany and other countries are expected to be announced.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Authentic Teenage Voice: If you're looking for a realistic and unromanticized portrayal of adolescent life, struggles, and mischief.

• Energetic Directorial Debut: A great example of a promising new director making a bold statement with her first feature film.

• Engaging Performances: The young lead actresses bring energy and vulnerability to their roles, making the characters relatable.

• Unique Urban Portrait: Offers a fresh perspective on Berlin, moving beyond clichés to capture the city's authentic vibe.

• Award Recognition: A film already recognized at several festivals for its screenplay and overall quality.   

Why to Watch Movie

• To Experience a Fresh Perspective: Get an insider's view of contemporary German youth culture and urban life.

• If You Enjoy Coming-of-Age Dramas: For a raw and honest look at the complexities of growing up and navigating friendships.

• To Discover New Talent: Support a promising new filmmaker and a cast of emerging actors.

• For a Quick and Engaging Watch: At 75 minutes, it's a concise yet impactful film.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Slackers fits into the trend of "Authentic Coming-of-Age Dramas" that prioritize realism and character development over conventional plot structures. It also aligns with the growing number of "Female-Directed Indie Films" that offer fresh perspectives on social issues and youth culture. The film's focus on an urban setting and its "road trip" element connect it to "Contemporary Urban Portraits" in cinema.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film subtly engages with social trends around "Youth Disillusionment and Apathy" amidst broader societal and political concerns (like climate change), portraying how these large issues can be absorbed into the personal anxieties and seemingly aimless actions of young people. It also speaks to the universal experience of "Identity Formation" in the face of adult expectations and personal insecurities.

Final Verdict

Slackers is an impressive and brave feature debut from Sorina Gajewski, offering a raw, honest, and ultimately engaging portrait of teenage life in modern Berlin. With strong performances from its young leads and a distinctive directorial voice, the film manages to be both a chaotic romp and a thoughtful exploration of friendship, identity, and the subtle anxieties of coming of age. For audiences seeking an authentic and energetic independent film that resonates with the spirit of youth, Slackers is a refreshing and worthwhile watch.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Imperfection: Show that a film doesn't need to be perfectly polished to be impactful; authenticity and raw energy can be powerful.

• Trust Your Characters: Allow the characters to drive the narrative through their impulses and interactions, even if it leads to a less conventional plot.

• Capture the Spirit of a Place: Demonstrate how a city can be more than just a backdrop, becoming an integral part of the characters' journeys and the film's atmosphere.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Emerging Voices: Continue to champion debut filmmakers, especially those with a clear vision and a unique perspective, like Sorina Gajewski.

• Invest in Youth-Focused Narratives: Recognize the importance of films that authentically reflect the experiences and concerns of younger generations.

• Promote Diverse Storytelling: Encourage projects that explore various cultural and social contexts, offering different views of urban life and coming-of-age experiences.