Acclaimed German actressSandra Hüllerhad a stellar year in 2024 — she was a part of two Oscar-nominated films and received a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards. Her approach to acting — which was honed through her background of performing on stage — has allowed her to thrive in both film and live productions.Hüller’s talent lies in her ability to completely inhabit the characters she plays, bringing depth, nuance, and authenticity to her performances.
Hüller’s range and commitment to her craft make her one of the most formidable actresses working today, deserving of recognition among the best in the industry. From her breakthrough role inMaren Ade’sToni Erdmannto her recent acclaimed performance inJonathan Glazer’sThe Zone of Interest, Hüller has consistently delivered exceptional acting.
10’Above Us Only Sky' (2011)
Directed by Jan Schomburg
Hüller was part ofan underrated drama movietitledAbove Us Only Sky, where a woman named Martha (Hüller) navigates the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death. However, Martha’s world is shattered when she discovers her husband’s double life, which pushes her into a chaotic journey of self-discovery and healing.
Hüller fully embodies Martha, from her despair to confusion— and ultimately resilience.Above Us Only Sky’sexploration of Martha’s complex emotions and her quest for truth will surely tug at the heartstrings of viewers. Hüller also makes her role as Martha more believable as her deliberate approach allows for a deeper examination of Martha’s grief. It’s a provocative film about love and loss that Hüller’s fans will surely enjoy.
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9’Finsterworld' (2013)
Directed by Laura Thies
Directed byFrauke Finsterwalder,Finsterworldis a film that takes a magnifying glass and points it at modern German society. One storyline involves a group of teens who are in a reckless pursuit of excitement as each of them wants to bring meaning into their mundane lives. Another one puts the spotlight on a zookeeper who is unsure of what his purpose and identity are.
Hüller plays Marie in the movie,who is a tour guide to takes visitors around a Third Reich theme park. The storylines in the movie intersect in unexpected ways, but there’s always a tinge of satire and humor that keeps viewers interested. AlthoughFinsterworld’sfragmented narrative style and nonlinear story might confuse viewers at first, it’s surely a captivating view of the hidden layers that keep modern society afloat.
8’Munich: The Edge of War' (2021)
Directed by Christian Schwochow
Hüller has also starred inMunich: The Edge of War, which primarily follows British civil servant Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and German diplomat Pual von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner). Set against the backdrop of World War II, the two leading characters in the movie strive to prevent catastrophe from happening by trying to persuade their governments to find a peaceful solution to their conflict. The movie is loosely based on the real events that happened during the development of the Munich Agreement, which is when Nazi Germany annexed Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland.
Hüller plays the fictional character Frau Winterin the movie. Not every critic appreciated the movie’s fictionalized elements and loose details, but it still effectively tells a story about war and the human cost of power that it can go toe to toe against some ofthe best war movies of all time.
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7’In the Aisles' (2018)
Directed by Thomas Julien
In the Aislesis a heartfelt German drama that gives viewers a glimpse into the life of Christian (Franz Rogowski), a newcomer at a small-town wholesale supermarket. Christian soon forms a bond with a co-worker who mans the confectionary aisle named Marion and falls in love with her.Hüller’s portrayal of Marion is both nuanced and heartfeltas she encapsulates the character’s struggles at home and her quiet strength.
The film’s setting serves as a poignant metaphor for the complexities of life, where seemingly mundane encounters lead to profound connections. Critics praised Hüller and Rogowski’s performances for their authenticity as they brought to life two characters who are desperately searching for solace in each other’s company.In the Aislesbeautifully captures the beauty and meaning found in ordinary moments, resulting in an impactful cinema experience for viewers.
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6’Requiem' (2006)
Directed by Laurenz Laufenberger
There are a few haunting dramas as memorable as the German filmRequiem. Based on the true story ofAnneliese Michel, a young woman who underwent a tragic exorcism in the 1970s, Requiem follows a character named Michaela who starts to experience seizures and hallucinations that were wrongly perceived by her family as an effect of demonic possession.
Hüller plays the character Michaela to a mesmerizing effectas she gracefully captures Michaela’s devout faith and descent into madness. Theincredible movie from the 2000sessentially visualizes the consequences of blind belief. Despite its somber tone and controversial portrayal of religious faith,Requiem’spowerful storytelling and thought-provoking narrative about mental illness and belief resonate deeply, leaving a harrowing impact on viewers.
5’I’m Your Man' (2021)
Directed by Maria Schrader
I’m Your Manis a delightful German sci-fi rom-com directed byMaria Schrader. The film follows Alma, a scientist who reluctantly agrees to live with a humanoid robot named Tom (Dan Stevens), designed as her perfect partner. As Alma interacts with Tom, she reevaluates her views on love and humanity.
Set in a futuristic Berlin,I’m Your Manblends humor with profound questions about artificial intelligence and relationships.Hüller plays the supporting character vaguely named the “Employee"in the movie.Maren Eggertis the perfect actress to play Alma with the way she paints the character’s initial skepticism and eventual emotional bond with Tom. The sci-fi movie also examines AI and how it impacts human relationships in a funny and thought-provoking way, making it an easy watch despite its complex philosophical take on love and technology.
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4'25 km/h' (2018)
Directed by Markus Förderer
In25km/h, Two estranged brothers reunite at their father’s funeral and decide to make their childhood dreams into reality by going on a fantastic road trip across Germany using mopeds. The film is aptly titled 25km/h because the maximum speed of the mopeds that the brothers are driving is only 25 km/h.
Hüller plays Ingrid in 25km/h,a free-spirited lady who decides to join the brothers on their adventure. The movie received critical acclaim for its charming performances and picturesque landscapes. However, some viewers found the plot to be predictable and the character arcs somewhat cliché. Despite that,25km/h’soverall charm and emotional depth shine through, making it amust-watch road movie from the 21st century.
3’Toni Erdmann' (2016)
Directed by Maren Ade
Family dynamics and the influence of corporate culture on personal relationships take center stage inToni Erdmann. The German-Austrian comedy-drama movie follows the story of Winfried, a father who, in an attempt to reconnect with his career-focused daughter, Ines, creates an alter ego named Toni Erdmann.
Out ofmany actresses who auditioned to play Ines, Hüller won, and it paid off as she played Ines' internal struggles and emotional growth with realism and sincerity. Her interactions with Peter Simonischek, who plays Winfried/Toni,are both hilarious and moving, which adds layers to their characters' evolving dynamic. Apart from its humorous premise, Toni Erdmann also felt real and immersive as directorMaren Adeused plenty of long takes.
Toni Erdmann
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2’Anatomy of a Fall' (2023)
Directed by Justine Triet
Anatomy of a Fallis perhaps one of the most exciting courtroom dramas of this decade. Written byJustine Trietand her partnerArthur Harari,Anatomy of a Fallfollows Sandra Voyter, a writer played by Sandra Hüller, who must prove her innocence in her husband’s death. After her husband dies in a fall from their attic window, Sandra is accused of homicide, leading to a complicated legal battle that delves into the intricacies of their relationship.
The film premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or. Hüller delivers a powerhouse performance,capturing Sandra’s emotional turmoil and inner strength with raw genuineness. Her portrayal anchors the film, drawing viewers into Sandra’s tumultuous world and eliciting empathy for her plight. For viewers left scratching their heads, confused if Sandra didn’t or did kill her Samuel, there are plenty ofAnatomy of a Fallexplainers onlinethat back up both arguments.
Anatomy of a Fall
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1’The Zone of Interest' (2023)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
There aren’t a lot of historical dramas that are as visceral and hard-hitting asThe Zone of Interest. Based onMartin Amis’snovel,The Zone of Interesttakes viewers to Auschwitz during World War II, featuring the moral problems faced by those involved in the Holocaust. The lives of a high-ranking Nazi officer,his wife Hannah Doll, played by Sandra Hüller, and a Jewish inmate intertwine in unexpected and dangerous ways.
The film’s sound design is a standout element as it immerses viewers in the horrors of the Holocaust. Jonathan Glazer effortlessly creates palpable tension, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity’s capacity for cruelty. It’s a movie that forces viewers to reflect on the nature of complicity and accountability, culminating in a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.
