The Forgetfulness of Squirrels: Tragicomedy about a carer who looks after a gruff gentleman suffering from dementia
Film plot and background
Marija (Emilia Schüle) came to Germany to earn money for her family in Ukraine. Her new job takes her to an old villa where she is supposed to take care of Curt (Günther Maria Halmer), who suffers from dementia and can no longer manage his everyday life alone. Employed by Curt’s daughter Almut (Anna Stieblich), Marija soon upsets the already fragile family construct only thanks to her presence.
Initially dismissive, Curt soon thinks that Marija is actually his long-dead wife Marianne. Control freak Almut, who took care of her father in his last years and never felt valued, can only watch this game to a certain extent. Marija, on the other hand, gets involved and awakens in Curt memories of the 1970s and a joie de vivre that had long been considered lost. When Curt’s estranged son Philipp (Fabian Hinrichs) turns up and has his eye on Marija, of all people, the chaos is perfect.
In the trailer you get an insight into Curt’s family chaos:
“The Forgetfulness of Squirrels” – theatrical release, cast
Family drama paired with profound humour: with “The Forgetfulness of Squirrels”, the directing duo Nadine Heinze and Marc Dietschreit tell a story about a fragile family construct into which an outsider intrudes and could cause even more chaos, but at the same time also bring it closer together. The premiere took place at the Max Ophüls Film Festival 2021.
Emilia Schüle (“Traumfabrik”), Günther Maria Halmer (“Max und die Wilde 7”), Fabian Hinrichs (“Wackersdorf”) and Anna Stieblich (“Ich bin dann mal weg”) can be seen in the leading roles. From 22 July 2021, “The Forgetfulness of Squirrels” will be released in German cinemas. The film is released for audiences aged 12 and over.
