What happens when life throws everything at you at once? Sterben, directed by Matthias Glasner, takes viewers on a deeply emotional journey through the lives of the Lunies family, offering an intense exploration of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the inevitability of mortality.
The story centers on Tom (Lars Eidinger), a conductor juggling his chaotic life: aging parents who need care, a newborn child from a former partner, and a best friend battling self-doubt ahead of a major composition premiere. Meanwhile, Tom’s sister Ellen (Lilith Stangenberg), battling alcoholism and entangled in an affair, skips their father’s funeral, unable to face the growing family turmoil.
This layered drama unfolds in chapters, each revealing raw emotions and unresolved conflicts within the family. From Lissy’s (Corinna Harfouch) resilience to manage her ailing husband to a riveting confrontation between Tom and his mother, the film uncovers emotional depths with intensity and theatrical flair.
Having won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the 2024 Berlinale, Sterben stands out for its powerful performances and bold storytelling. It’s a poignant look at the messy, beautiful, and sometimes haunting aspects of life and family.
Watch the Sterben: A Poignant Tale of Family trailer full of emotion, drama, and heartfelt moments!
