Since the rise of the first great civilisation in Mesopotamia, there has probably never been a time in human history where we’ve been so disconnected. While we might now have friends scattered around the world, our busy work schedules and online lifestyles can lead to families becoming virtual strangers. Family units can often be more precarious than anyone would think. This is the case in Ronny Trocker’s new film, Human Factors.
Jan (Mark Waschke) and Nina (Sabine Timoteo) are co-owners of an advertising company. When news breaks of a controversial new political client, they whisk their children (Jule Hermann and Wanja Valentin Kube) off to their holiday home on the coast. The plan is to take a break and recharge, but this is thrown into chaos when they encounter burglars in the house. This event provides the catalyst for the disintegration of their relationship.
On the face of it, Human Factors is a straightforward family drama. However, it soon become apparent that something much more sinister is going on; just out of earshot. This palpable feeling of wrongness and foreboding dread only grows as the ties which bind them together rapidly come asunder. These dual narratives are masterfully handled by Trocker, whilst superb performances all round ensure that Human Factors will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Human Factors screens at Sundance Film Festival.
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