Review of Toni Erdmann (2016) by Matthew S — 15 Feb 2017

5/5 What will ultimately be the difference between the original German film "Toni Erdmann" and its inevitable American remake - and the quality which makes it infinitely more satisfying - is its natural way of navigating that line between the mundane realities of human relationships and the exaggerated whimsy of your typical "feel good" comedic drama.

It is a remarkable feat that director Karen Ade has achieved in his film: Every note is played beautifully and honestly, and what could - and probably will in Hollywood hands - have become a predictably trite Dysfunctional Family Roadtrip Movie - is an emotionally engaging character and relationship study of profound depth and subtlety, despite (and because of) its effortlessly timed moments of absurdity. Its performers, each and every one of them, are magnificently natural, contributing to a sense of vérité.

Don't be concerned about your investment in the almost 3 hour runtime. It is worth each and every minute.