Um Jeden Preis (The 11th Hour, I Am Here)
Germany/Denmark 2014

Opening 23 Jul 2015

Directed by: Anders Morgenthaler
Writing credits: Anders Morgenthaler
Principal actors: Kim Basinger, Jordan Prentice, Sebastian Schipper, Peter Stormare, Robert Hunger-Bühler

The happily married, middle-aged executive is desperate; yet another miscarriage, a dismal diagnose, and Peter’s (Sebastian Schipper) refutation. Inadvertently, she hears about a prostitution-cum-infant-market enclave on the Czech border. Maria’s (Kim Basinger) near-obsession for a child overrides everything: marriage, career, and common sense. Impulsively she sets off; en route, Maria befriends a panda-dressed diminutive junkie. Their mutually beneficial deal is terminated in lieu of a fix. But, area customs impede, and then burden, Christian’s (Jordan Prentice) gratification, necessitating a cautiously conciliatory reunion with Maria. Unaware how perilous an act that is, until an arrant Russian (Peter Stormare) catches up and introduces them to his reality: a violent, brutal world.

Shot in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, Danish director Anders Morgenthaler daringly augments this thriller with paranormal elements, albeit very different from the norm. The small cast delivers hugely memorable performances. Olivia Neergaard-Holm’s editing, Jóhann Jóhannsson’s music, Natascha Tagwerk’s production design, the special effects and sound design all compliment Sturla Brandth Grøvlen’s unique camerawork. Morgenthaler infuses wonderment and understanding – how desire for a child can supercede all else – into his screenplay. A natural extension perhaps for this comic artist and children’s books author. Bringing an absorbing, novel film to fruition, the entire company delivers a hauntingly thought-provoking film. (Marinell Haegelin)