Is Das Mädchen von früher Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

📖 The Core Premise

Das Mädchen von früher returns to the screen in 2023, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Crime genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Bente, a school dropout, was a foster child on the Strand family's remote farm. Forensic medicine finds a key in Bente's stomach. Where was the girl going with two cans of gasoline? Why did the local gas station attendant sell her gasoline even though it was known that she was an arsonist? Which lock does this key fit into? Local policeman Lars Klapproth might be able to contribute to solving the case, but he does not. Because Lars is the father of Maria's missing daughter Matilde. He had made the toddler disappear with the help of GDR state agencies during the reunification period. When Maria, who had fled the republic, returned to get her daughter shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Matilde had already been adopted and could not be found."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Nina Kunzendorf's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Das Mädchen von früher worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Crime films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Das Mädchen von früher is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.