"Arte's showing of Petzold's film, titled 'Red Sky', is engulfed in flames"

The highly-anticipated film "Roter Himmel," directed by Christian Petzold, is set to air tonight at 8:15 PM on Arte. This captivating drama, set against a wildfire scenario in Germany, promises a thought-provoking and dreamlike experience for viewers.

"Roter Himmel," released in 2023, marks a departure from Petzold's previous film, "Undine," with a more political undertone. Paula Beer, who played the female lead in "Undine," reprises her role in this new production.

The film revolves around four young characters: Leon (Thomas Schubert), Felix (Langston Uibel), Nadja (Paula Beer), and Devid (Enno Trebs). Leon, an artist struggling with his work, is a central figure in the film, with his refusal to enjoy pleasure and focus on work taking centre stage.

Matthias Brandt plays Leon's editor, whose visit to Leon escalates the situation as Leon's book is not progressing well. Nadja, a distant acquaintance of Felix's mother, is also at the vacation home where the story unfolds.

"Roter Himmel" won the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival and is a complex film with many hidden elements and some elements left unexplained. The film explores various male figures, including Leon, and delves into societal themes like work and status, discussing what is recognized as work today and how much one defines oneself by it.

The film features wildfires, but the topic of climate change is not explicitly explored. Scenes sometimes seem shifted or dreamlike, and the music from the turntable doesn't sound like it comes from a turntable, adding to the film's surreal atmosphere.

Christian Petzold, the filmmaker, does not like "theme films" that explicitly address a theme and try to paint it with plot. Instead, he was inspired to make "Roter Himmel" due to fever dreams he had during a Covid illness, which took place in the summer and on clearings.

Some viewers may find the central love story in the film unbelievable, but if one allows oneself to be drawn into other levels, the film offers atmosphere and depth. Initially, Nadja's presence is only hinted at by the chaos in the house and cooked food. At night, the men hear sex noises from her room.

Don't miss the premiere of "Roter Himmel" tonight at 8:15 PM on Arte. This dreamlike drama promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking addition to Christian Petzold's impressive filmography.

"Arte's showing of Petzold's film, titled 'Red Sky', is engulfed in flames"