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Next Door

Next Door (2021)

Jul 15, 2021 1h 33m Drama Comedy

Berlin, the Prenzlauer Berg district. Daniel is a movie star accustomed to success. His loft apartment is stylish and so is his wife, and the nanny has the children under control. Everything is tip-top, bilingual and ready for him to jet off to an audition in London where a role in an American superhero film awaits the celebrated German-Spanish actor. Popping into the local bar on the corner, he finds Bruno sitting there. As transpires by the minute, Bruno has been waiting for this moment for a long time. And so this eternally overlooked man – one of reunification's losers and a victim of the gentrification of what was once East Berlin – takes his revenge. With Daniel as his target...

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Directed by Daniel Brühl

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Daniel Brühl
Writer
  • Daniel Kehlmann
Producer
  • Malte Grunert
  • Daniel Brühl

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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

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