Afire
Seen it?2023 | 103 min | Drama, Romance, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Vicky Cristina Barcelona or The Way We Were, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Self-important author Leon joins his best friend on a summer holiday near the Baltic Sea to complete his novel. When they arrive, they find their house is already occupied by a carefree woman who challenges Leon to open up. Meanwhile, forest wildfires rage around them and impending disaster looms.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Also nominated for 1 more Berlin award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 31K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Christian Petzold
- Thomas SchubertLeon
- Paula BeerNadja
- Langston UibelFelix
- Enno TrebsDevid
- Matthias BrandtHelmut
- Jennipher AntoniMrs. Roland, Cashier
- Ralph BarnebeckPolice Officer
- Esther EscheMrs. König, Hotel Manager
- Mario FürstenbergMale Nurse
- Assunta HammNurse