Cast
View AllDaniel Brühl
as Daniel
Peter Kurth
as Bruno
Rike Eckermann
as Hilde
Aenne Schwarz
as Clara
Vicky Krieps
as The New Tennant
Gode Benedix
as Micha
Justine Hirschfeld
as Nanny Conchita
Ole Hermann
as Mirko
Nils Dörgeloh
as Nils
Luisa-Céline Gaffron
as Luisa
Johanna Polley
as Johanna
Mex Schlüpfer
as Homeless Guido
Stefan Scheumann
as Dirk
Nils Brunkhorst
as Man of the couple in front of pub
Arne Duppler
as Angry Taxi Driver (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Daniel Brühl
Writer
- Daniel Kehlmann
Producer
- Malte Grunert
- Daniel Brühl
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Next Door 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 Daniel Brühl 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 2021, 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 Next Door took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Next Door shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike M, which focuses more on action than character development, Next Door offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In the Mood for Love and Sliver explore similar territory, Next Door stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: July 15, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 33m