Cicadas

Press Quotes

„A measured German- and French-language entry that cements Weisse's storytelling abilities… Tightly woven. An extraordinarily well-paced interrogation of socioeconomic class – not just conflict, but also the difficulties that arise while trying to find solidarity… Very true to life, refusing to stoop to dramatics.“
Cineuropa

„A poignant, sweeping drama… captivates you from the very beginning, in the first five minutes, even before the title appears. Her films can be so delicate, so precisely narrated, so unobtrusively open in their narrative approach, breathing real life and yet always an experimental set-up, because the filmmaker takes her time, allowing characters and story to mature. And yet, when these two fundamentally different women meet, there is something right away and they find common ground in the ongoing process of losing control. There are slight “Persona” vibes, even though the gaze of the filmmaker couldn't be further from Bergman's. Something special develops, especially in this permeable game arrangement between reality and fiction, where you often don't know where one begins and the other ends, an eternal oscillation between the amplitudes, which opens up spaces for the actors, for the staging, for the audience: life is what happens. You can hear the cicadas in the background.“
The Spot Media & Film

„Nina Hoss and Ina Weisse are back again together, bringing forth a banger.“
Pink Villa

„A humanistic German drama about small-town folk riven by class divides, fears and anxieties… Cicadas is a very convincing movie, with mostly round characters, and very strong performances. The script never lapses into cliches. The humanistic touch and the social concerns may bring Mike Leigh to mind, if a lot more stoical.“
D Movies

„Cicadas captures not only the gap between composure and inner life, but also social differences… tells of unlived lives, of abandoned career aspirations, an unfulfilled desire to have children, the eroticism of hidden longings... Nina Hoss and Saskia Rosendahl give Cicadas moments of great intensity, especially beyond the dialogues.“
Tagesspiegel

„With three feature films to her name, Weisse's poetic vision is already evident, allowing us to trace a common thread in her work. The subtle way she explores the psyche of her protagonists - the constant sense of inadequacy and anxiety caused by others' expectations - is truly rare to find today. What's truly striking is the calm, understated tone in which situations unfold—avoiding the clichéd route of having the protagonists express their emotions in an overtly dramatic manner. The result is a character study that leans heavily on the central performances of Hoss and Rosendahl, who bring to life two complex portraits of motherhood and human relationships. Honest and delicate in its depiction of themes that resonate with our everyday lives, Cicadas proves to be a more than convincing film.
ODG Magazine

„Stands out for its emotional depth and exquisite narrative sensitivity… exceptional cast. Through Ina Weisse's meticulously crafted direction, Cicadas explores with great sensitivity the tension between duty and desire, independence and connection. Nina Hoss, a staple of European auteur cinema, delivers a nuanced and deeply empathetic performance, embodying Isabell's inner turmoil with remarkable precision. Her chemistry with Saskia Rosendahl is undeniable—Rosendahl's Anja exudes an enigmatic, magnetic presence. naturalistic and delicate cinematography by Judith Kaufmann and the seamless editing by Hansjörg Weissbrich give Cicadas a quiet, intimate aesthetic. Cicadas is a film that whispers rather than shouts, relying on the power of subtle details and silence. Ina Weisse crafts a layered and profoundly honest work, exploring the complexities of adulthood with disarming sincerity.“
Film TV