Film 'Axolotl Overkill' takes viewers on wild ride through Berlin's nightlife
Based on her 2010 novel, Helene Hegemann's lustful feature film about a wayward youth, "Axolotl Overkill," was a hit at international film festivals. Here are some reasons why it shouldn't be missed.
Out of control in Berlin
In Helene Hegemann's film "Axelotl Overkill," the 16-year-old Mifti, played by Jasna Fritzi Bauer (pictured left) lacks direction but is open to new experiences. She isn't interested in school and prefers to spend her nights in bars and clubs. She spends plenty of time hanging around with her like-minded friend Ophelia (Mavie Hörbiger).
Young and multi-talented
The young author, director and actress Helene Hegemann (left) is without a doubt a unique talent. At the young age of 25, she has already written plays, books and directed short films. Her debut novel "Axolotl Roadkill" received good reviews, although she was confronted with accusations of plagiarism. "Axolotl Overkill" is her feature film debut.
Actress Jasna Fritzi Bauer understands her character
She was able to understand the "contradictions" of her character, said Hegemann of actress Jasna Fritzi Bauer. "She understands her and can analyze her, but is playful enough not to think too much about it." The Swiss-born actress is a natural talent, as she has demonstrated in previous roles. She delivers a brilliant performance in "Axolotl Overkill."
A story about family
Hegemann depicts how Mifti tries to find a place for herself in the midst of a haphazard family. Her mother recently passed away, her father lives with a new woman, and her brothers and sisters are dealing with their own issues, making this a challenge. Mifti searches for a way to shape her own life amidst this setting.
Falling for an older woman
Young Mifti feels drawn to a much older woman, played by Arly Jover. Hegemann hired the actress who is best known to the international audience from her role in the Hollywood horror film "Blade."
Playing with fire
Hegemann describes the character of Mifti as "a girl who consciously resists societal standards. She is not submissive, but the immoral, tragicomic fool that only men can play in films."
Impressive images
"Axolotl Overkill" is especially convincing thanks to its non-linear narrative and carefully crafted-images. They impressed the jury at the Sundance Film Festival in the US, which awarded cinematographer Manuel Dacosse a prize for cinematography.
Go along for the ride
Hegemann has already made short films, written a novel and acted, but "Axolotl Overkill" is her first feature film. When viewers forget Hegemann's history and let themselves go with the flow of the film, they may find themselves feeling like the main character: open to new experiences.