The later, shorter, all-online Berlinale which started Monday replaced the usual 11-day star-studded extravaganza normally held in February. “Petite Maman”, a moving coming-of-age drama by France’s Celine Sciamma, and “Mr Bachmann and His Class”, an ambitious German school documentary, were lavished with praise. Variety called him a “wry revelation, progressing from rigid, unworldly physical comedy to near-living, breathing emotional turmoil”. The enthusiasm raised speculation Stevens could walk away with the Berlinale’s first “best performance” Silver Bear, after the festival did away with its best actor and actress trophies. Variety reviewer Jessica Kiang called the “witty, warm, surprising modern folktale” her favourite of the race.

Source: The Local March 05, 2021 03:33 UTC