ZDF's "Dying for Beginners": A Surprisingly Funny Film About Death
Okay, so you wouldn't typically think of a movie about death as being hilarious, right? But ZDF's new film, "Sterben für Beginner" (Dying for Beginners), is proving everyone wrong. It’s a tragicomedy that won the audience award at the Festival of German Film in Ludwigshafen last year – and for good reason. It's actually really good!
The whole thing centers around Eric, a former music manager (played brilliantly by Edin Hasanovic) who, after a spectacularly bad day at the office, finds himself unexpectedly employed… at a funeral home. Honestly, who saw that coming?
Eric's Unexpected Career Pivot
Picture this: Eric quits his job after a huge blow-up with a colleague. Lost and directionless, he sees a job ad – for a funeral director. He's got zero experience, but something about it pulls him in. Maybe it's a subconscious desire to grapple with life's big questions, or maybe he was just desperate for a paycheck. Either way, he gets the job. Turns out, working amongst caskets and grief isn’t quite as grim as you’d think. He works alongside Volker Mutz (Peter Kurth), an experienced funeral director with a surprising depth. And that’s where things get interesting.
Then, BAM! A curveball. Eric's best friend, Alex (Max Hubacher), gets diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He's got weeks to live, maybe less. It’s a gut punch, and the film doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil.
Life, Death, and a 3,700-Euro Coffin
The film beautifully weaves together Eric’s new, unusual career path with the devastating reality of Alex's illness. It's a dual narrative that explores grief, acceptance, and the power of friendship in the face of loss. There are some truly funny moments too—like the scene where Eric accidentally lies down in a 3,700-euro coffin during training. It’s a touch of dark humor that perfectly offsets the heavier emotional moments. Critics have pointed out that the film simplifies the funeral director training process somewhat, but it gives us a far more insightful look at the profession than most German TV shows ever have.
Relationships and Raw Emotion
The characters feel real, the kind of people you might actually meet. Volker, initially portrayed as a bit stiff and business-minded, shows a surprisingly soft side as he mentors Eric. Then there's Anita (Luna Jordan), Volker's niece, and her developing relationship with Eric adds another layer of emotional depth. Hasanovic's performance as Eric is phenomenal; he really captures the character's emotional journey in a way that feels both raw and authentic.
And the film doesn't pull any punches when it comes to portraying the reality of terminal illness. It's heartbreaking to see the impact on Alex's friends and family, especially his pregnant girlfriend, Karla (Svenja Jung). It’s powerful stuff.
A Powerful Message That Resonates
Ultimately, "Sterben für Beginner" isn't just about death; it's a poignant reflection on life, loss, and the preciousness of time. It encourages you to think about your own mortality, and to appreciate the connections you have with the people you love. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer something far more valuable: a shared journey of reflection. A journey filled with both laughter and tears, in equal measure. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment, something we could all use a little more of right now.
ZDF airing this is a big deal. It's a film that tackles a difficult subject with sensitivity and surprising humor. It's not to be missed. Seriously, give it a watch.
