OVERVIEW
Set in Germany shortly after the Thirty Years’ War, Rose follows a scarred former soldier (Hüller) who arrives in an isolated Protestant village claiming to be the rightful heir to an abandoned farm. Rose gradually earns the trust of the community, rebuilding the land and eventually marrying Suzanna (Caro Braun), the daughter of a wealthy farmer. What the villagers do not know is that Rose is a woman who has been living as a man for years, taking advantage of the privileges and opportunities reserved for men at the time.
CAPSULE REVIEW
Rose is a very good film anchored by yet another spectacular performance from Sandra Hüller. While the actress dominates the film, and would be deserving of another Oscar nomination (and even a win), the film around her is far more than simply an acting showcase. Director Schleinzer is great at telling the story with impressive economy, moving through humor, intimacy, frustration, and tragedy while the black-and-white cinematography and strong supporting cast make the world feel equally lived in. What really lingers is the cruelty of watching someone who teaches others to read, treats workers fairly, and improves the lives around her still be judged primarily for the gender she was born into. What makes it even sadder is that Rose’s biggest mistake, in the eyes of everyone around her, was simply refusing to accept the life she was supposed to have.
This is a capsule review part of our VIFF 2026 coverage and will be expanded closer to the film’s theatrical release.
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- 16Rose#16 of 208
- Where to watch
- Coming soon
- Where to watch
- Coming soon
Play trailer
- Original title
- Rose
- Director
- Markus Schleinzer
- Cast
- Sandra Hüller, Caro Braun, Marisa Growaldt, Robert Gwisdek, Godehard Giese, Maria Dragus, Larisa Faber, Annalisa Hohl
- Screenwriter
- Markus Schleinzer, Alexander Brom
- Composer
- Tara Nome Doyle
- Cinematography
- Gerald Kerkletz, Matthias Biber
- Editor
- Hansjörg Weißbrich
- Country
- Language
- German