Theater director Stan is planning a provocative play about the machinations of the pharmaceutical industry. To provide psychological support for his actors, he hires the psychotherapist Dr. Franz. But instead of helping, she pursues her own agenda: she secretly administers the drug Zyprecs to the actors, which not only makes them dependent but also changes their perception of the pharmaceutical industry. Instead of remaining critical, they develop sympathy for the industry. With each rehearsal, the ensemble increasingly loses control over itself. The actors suffer from the side effects of the drug, and the boundaries between reality and fiction begin to blur. As the premiere approaches, the situation escalates: Who is directing here, and who is just a puppet? Stan's plan to expose the pharmaceutical industry's system is increasingly undermined by Dr. Franz. The film, which was shown in competition at the Max Ophüls Prize in 2024, paints a bleak picture of manipulation and power. Dr. Franz intervenes ever more deeply in the creative process, and the ensemble reaches its limits. The increasing dependence of the actors and the psychological breakdowns turn the former artistic collaboration into a dangerous game of control. An oppressive drama that illuminates the dark sides of art and human weakness.
Drama, Independent
1h 30min
12 FSK
DE
A theater group takes on the powerful pharmaceutical industry and is infiltrated by its agents.
Theater director Stan is planning a provocative play about the machinations of the pharmaceutical industry. To provide psychological support for his actors, he hires the psychotherapist Dr. Franz. But instead of helping, she pursues her own agenda: she secretly administers the drug Zyprecs to the actors, which not only makes them dependent but also changes their perception of the pharmaceutical industry. Instead of remaining critical, they develop sympathy for the industry.
With each rehearsal, the ensemble increasingly loses control over itself. The actors suffer from the side effects of the drug, and the boundaries between reality and fiction begin to blur. As the premiere approaches, the situation escalates: Who is directing here, and who is just a puppet? Stan's plan to expose the pharmaceutical industry's system is increasingly undermined by Dr. Franz.
The film, which was shown in competition at the Max Ophüls Prize in 2024, paints a bleak picture of manipulation and power. Dr. Franz intervenes ever more deeply in the creative process, and the ensemble reaches its limits. The increasing dependence of the actors and the psychological breakdowns turn the former artistic collaboration into a dangerous game of control. An oppressive drama that illuminates the dark sides of art and human weakness.