“Afire,” a 2023 production written and directed by German director Christian Petzold, premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and was honored with the Silver Bear-Grand Jury Prize. The movie focuses on the story of introverted individuals who have no relationship with the outside world.

The movie tells the story of two friends, Leon (Thomas Schubert) and Felix (Langston Uibel), whose lives change upon starting to stay in a summer house on the Baltic coast of Northern Germany. Leon is working on the edits of his latest book, while Felix is trying to prepare a portfolio of photographs.

Felix, captivated by the summer atmosphere reminiscent of Eric Rohmer‘s cinema, sets aside his artistic endeavors to immerse himself in the endless possibilities of the season. Meanwhile, Leon prepares to spend a considerably unproductive time, retreating with a pack of cigarettes. During their stay, they meet Nadja (Paula Beer), a cheerful and free-spirited young woman, who significantly changes their lives, though they are initially unaware of it. A question posed by Nadja to Leon, “Do you see anything happening around you?” forms the central theme of the movie.

As the director gradually reveals, a forest fire is approaching, threatening to engulf the characters. This situation will affect them both psychologically and emotionally, and eventually reach a physical dimension. Petzold explores the world of characters surrounded by a forest fire, leading them to encounter a world beyond their personal preoccupations. This situation reminds the increasingly apolitical and individualistic post-war generations of the importance of empathy and social awareness through a pastoral love story.

Contrary to its seemingly light appearance at first glance, the movie does not shy away from addressing current issues such as mortality, the creative process, and looming forest fires. However, Leon, viewing the world through the lens of his bruised ego, is almost blind to the emotional changes and social dynamics around him. Ironically, despite covertly and clumsily spying on other characters, particularly Nadja, throughout the movie, he remains almost oblivious to the events unfolding around him.

In the movie, as Leon searches for a key filled with love to escape his personal dungeon, director Petzold skillfully uses humor as a real weapon. The director’s subtle yet effective comedic touches significantly contribute to the small humiliations Leon faces in front of his friends and the audience. Leon, who views everything as an intellectual battleground and uses mockery to mask his vulnerabilities, is metaphorically knocked out as he is hit in his vulnerable spot.

In his latest movie, Petzold continues to explore themes such as loneliness, melancholy, introspection, and alienation in modern humans. Instead of coldly analyzing his characters, he approaches these themes through their humane and emotional aspects. The movie presents love as a refuge where characters unite on the common ground of being human.

“Afire” effectively conveys emotions, indecisions, and judgments among people. It offers a profound perspective on narcissism and depression, jealousy and envy, pessimism and apathy, as well as on art and creation, desires, love, and even death. These diverse themes deeply explore the characters’ inner worlds and their complex relationships, provoking thought and leading the audience on an emotional journey.