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Der Sohn

Der Sohn (2017)

Jun 26, 2017 1h 18m TV Movie Drama

Katharina and her son Stefan (16) live in a small town where everybody knows everybody. Stefan has been born with severe asthma. Katharina has ceased to count the nights that she has spent at his bed listening with fear, his breath. Their care and care have accompanied the child's growing up. Very deeply in Katharina is a doubt whether she really loves her child. Stefan's burgeoning sexuality finds its way in a disturbing way. He scares women during nightly journeys through the city, escorts prostitutes in front of a brothel, and watches couples in sex. When a young woman is found dead, the suspicion grows in Katharina that Stefan can be the culprit. He winds more and more out of Katharina's clasp and is increasingly aggressively seeking his own space. When a second woman is found murdered, Catherine's suspicion becomes evident. The relationship between mother and son implies a tragedy.

Directed by Urs Egger

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Urs Egger
Writer
  • Dagmar Gabler

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Der Sohn examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Urs Egger brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Der Sohn took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 141 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Der Sohn shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Ronja the Robber's Daughter, which focuses more on action than character development, Der Sohn subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Celebration and Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams explore similar territory, Der Sohn stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 26, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 18m