Die tödliche Maria (1993)

Directed by: Tom Tykwer | 106 minutes | drama, horror, thriller | Actors: Nina Petri, Katja Studt, Juliane Heinemann, Josef Bierbichler, Jean Maesér, Joachim Król, Rolf Peter Kahl, Renate Usko, Georg Winterfeld, Tom Spiess, Andreas Petri, Ortwin Spieler, Peter Hommen, Walfriede Schmitt, Astrid Vonhoff, Heidi Klotz André von Champorcin, Peter Lichtefeld, Daniela Stein, Peter Franke

Before Tom Tykwer caused a furore in Hollywood with films like ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ and ‘The International’, the director was busy working in Germany. And before Tykwer broke through with the energetic arthouse action film ‘Lola rennt’, he explored other genres. Such as psychological horror in the oppressive ‘Die tödliche Maria’.

‘Die tödliche Maria’ revolves around the mousey Maria (Nina Petri). This housewife lives for others. Her husband (Péter Franke) treats her like a slave and her bedridden father (Josef Bierbichler) has little respect for her either. When Maria meets her shy neighbor (Joachim Król), sparks fly. Does she choose her own happiness or others?

Tykwer has made a film that you experience as a fever dream. Mary’s life is told in stages. You see how the woman has grown into the gray mouse she is today. Tykwer shows her as a ten-year-old (played by Heinemann), as a sixteen-year-old (Studt) and finally as an adult woman (Petri). The formation of her persona is interpreted in an impressive way and you get a clear insight into the ideas of the woman.

The film has a gloomy and dark tone, but does not get bogged down in a heavy drama that is difficult to shake off. Tykwer is no Michael Haneke and that’s a good thing. The clever editing ensures speed and the screenplay leaves nothing to be desired in terms of clarity. Haneke lets you puzzle and fill in the film yourself, while Tykwer tells a story with head and tail.

‘Die tödliche Maria’ is a well-acted film about a woman who can’t take it anymore. Don’t expect a revenge film, but a disturbed coming of age film about a tormented person who seeks redemption. It’s amazing that this well-made film is Tykwer’s debut. The man knows exactly what he is doing and there is little to criticize about this strong film.