GER24 Toni Erdmann

Boasting a captivating lead performance by the remarkable Sandra Hüller, this 2016 audience favourite marks the third film from German writer/director Maren Ade. Offering a distinctive portrayal of a dysfunctional father-daughter relationship, it seamlessly blends screwball humour with sublime moments, showcasing a breathless style of filmmaking that captivates even the most cynical viewers. The plot revolves around divorced, middle-aged music teacher Winfried, who seeks to reconnect with his corporate daughter Ines through a series of eccentric practical jokes. Adopting the persona of "Toni Erdmann," inspired by Maren Ade's admiration for Andy Kaufman's alter ego, Winfried transforms into a self-styled "consultant and coach," complete with a fright wig and fake teeth. What follows is a delightful blend of cringe comedy and German cinematic brilliance that defies easy categorisation. As father-daughter tensions escalate to absurd levels, it culminates in a brilliantly executed emotional catharsis that left Cannes critics ecstatic, earning the film the festival's prestigious FIPRESCI Prize.