TONI ERDMANN (2016) — Sleeper Awakened

2/26/2017 - Toni Erdmann (2016) – 7+/8-/10

Its Germanness is strong, with its existential ennui and its quirky repressed humor. The balance of lingering dourness and anxieties sweetened the legitimately weird and unique laughs. An intoxicating cocktail of problematic estranged father/daughter relationship with stomach constricting social awkwardness, Erdmann is so effective and engaging. Despite being a bit long, the runtime isn’t laborious. The story and its eccentric players keep you guessing and waiting for the shoes you didn’t know you had to drop. That nude scene is envigorating, impetuous, and archetypal agog comedy.

I would certainly recommend this absurdist dramedy with a singular vision. Well done and satisfying film.