Dying

Masterfully balancing between bitter tragedy and sardonic humour, Matthias Glasner analyses troubled family relationships in a film as straightforward and unvarnished as its title. Winner of the Best Screenplay prize at the Berlin Film Festival, backed up by outstanding performances by the lead actors.

Synopsis

Lisi is relieved when her husband, who suffers from dementia, is placed in a nursing home. But her freedom won't last as various health problems mean she doesn't have much time left. Her son, a conductor in his 40s, is working on a composition called "Dying", while her daughter becomes involved in an illicit relationship that reinforces her love of alcohol. As death eventually appears on the doorstep, the estranged family members are finally reunited.