The Cinematheque

Austria

“An auspiciously polished and snappy debut … There’s a whisper of formalist Austrian chill in its immaculately composed mise-en-scène.”

Guy Lodge, Variety

How can we be ourselves when our lives demand constant performances for others? This biting social commentary follows ​“rent-a-friend” Matthias (All Quiet on the Western Front​’s Albrecht Schuch) as he expertly occupies the roles demanded by his clients, whether they be of a present father, cultured boyfriend, or accomplished son. When his girlfriend dumps him for being too inauthentic, Matthias goes on an increasingly absurd journey of self discovery. Inspired by the same real-life agencies as in the buzzy Brendan Fraser feature Rental Family, Wenger’s debut takes a decidedly more satirical approach in the vein of Ruben Östlund or Maren Ade.

In German with English subtitles