Little White Lies

Set in 1931 Germany, the gripping, beautifully-executed new feature from Marcus Rosenmüller, writer/director of NYICFF 2008 favorite Grave Decisions, foreshadows coming fascism through the microcosm of a school. Based on the novel by Anna Maria Joki, the film centers on Alexander, an A class student who accidentally spills ink on a book he borrowed from a friend in the B class. Taking the easy way out, Alexander destroys the evidence and denies everything. This seemingly innocent and harmless lie has devastating consequences, as it is used as the basis for a hate campaign against the B class, ultimately hinting at situations far more serious than schoolyard politics. Dreamlike, darkly atmospheric visuals straight out of the German Expressionist tradition, with gothic lighting, long, shadowy corridors, abandoned factories, and dusty shops create a fable-like feeling both timeless and foreboding in this thought-provoking and highly-engaging parable about how lies, big and small, can accumulate unexpected consequences.

Note: Some non-graphic violence and a brief, sexually suggestive scene.