Christian Petzold's Drama 'Reflections No.3' Enters Russian Cinemas
Starting February 5, the psychological drama 'Reflections No.3' by renowned German director Christian Petzold is released in Russian theaters. The film, which received high praise at the Cannes Festival, tells a story of overcoming grief.
Mar 8, 2026 0
A scene from Christian Petzold«s psychological drama »Reflections No.3« showing the protagonist in a contemplative moment.
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The world premiere of the film «Reflections No.3» took place in May 2025 as part of the Cannes Film Festival program. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a high approval rating of 94%.
The plot focuses on a young pianist named Laura, who survives a car accident during a countryside trip. Her boyfriend dies, and the girl, in shock, finds shelter in the home of Betty – a local resident who witnessed the accident.
Gradually, the heroine integrates into the life of the new family:
- helps paint the fence,
- works in the vegetable garden,
- bakes a plum pie.
Her presence clearly replaces someone lost to these people.
The lead role is played by the director«s constant muse Paula Beer, known for the films »Transit« and »Undine«. The role of Betty is played by Barbara Auer (»The Book Thief«).
The film«s title refers to the piano composition Miroirs 3 by Maurice Ravel, which is used in the film as a leitmotif.
Christian Petzold, a leader of the «Berlin School», reflects on faith in the future in his new work. «In the last two or three years, I»ve had the feeling that people living around me in Germany do not believe in the future. They have started building caves for themselves where they want to survive. And we must make films about survival and recovery. But in my film, the characters have rebuilt their world based on a lie,« the director explained.
Film critics have characterized the film as a modern gothic fairy tale, exploring the lies people tell themselves and the unusual ways in which grief can unite people. The film has an age restriction of 18+.
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