MOVIE REVIEW
What a Feeling
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Kat Rohrer
Writer(s): Kat Rohrer
Cast: Proschat Madani, Caroline Peters, Barbara Spitz, Heikko Deutschmann, Allegra Tinnefeld, Rafael Haider
Language: German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 NewFest

RAVING REVIEW: In the heart of Vienna, WHAT A FEELING takes us along on an enchanting tale where chaos meets order in the life of Marie Theres (Caroline Peters), a doctor and mother. Her serene existence spirals into disarray when her husband leaves her on their 20th anniversary, propelling her into a night out at a queer bar. Here, she meets Fa (Proschat Madani,) a free-spirited performer whose spontaneity contrasts with Marie's structured reality. This encounter ignites a transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional turmoil, pushing both women to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Director Kat Rohrer breathes new life into the romantic comedy genre by exploring a narrative rich with themes of identity exploration, societal acceptance, and the multifaceted nature of love that transcends generational divides. The film marries humor with the weight of Marie's life, showcasing the thrill of new love against the backdrop of her need to conceal this burgeoning romance from her conservative circles.

Madani delivers a standout performance as Fa, infusing the screen with charm and authenticity. Her chemistry with Peters, who portrays Marie, enriches the film's heart, making their evolving relationship believable and compelling as the plot unfolds. WHAT A FEELING captures the intricate dynamics of their relationship, transitioning from their blurred first encounter to deeper connections, layering their interactions with complexity and heartfelt emotion.

The film is not without a few predictable moments and occasional clichés, which sometimes undermine its originality. Nonetheless, these are minor compared to the film’s capacity to engage and stimulate reflection. The script, also by Rohrer, cleverly integrates lighthearted mishaps with genuine emotional depth, crafting a storyline that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

The film also addresses the challenging aspects of queer identity within different cultural frameworks, primarily through the lens of Fa's family dynamics. These themes are handled with a delicate balance of realism and sensitivity, contrasting sharply with the film's lighter elements. The dialogues concerning queerness between Marie and her daughter lend realism and timeliness to the film, underscoring the ongoing nature of personal acceptance and societal integration.

Beyond its narrative and emotional pull, the film has garnered notable acclaim on the global stage, clinching an Honorable Mention Audience Award at the 2024 Miami OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The film's exploration of mature themes and relationships resonated deeply with audiences, further showcased by its selection at prestigious festivals such as BFI Flare in London, Diagonale in Graz, and Frameline in San Francisco. These accolades underscore the film's universal appeal and capacity to engage diverse audiences through its poignant storytelling and vibrant portrayal of life's complexities.

WHAT A FEELING culminates as a heartfelt ode to finding oneself and love in the most unexpected places. It provides a satisfying closure to its characters’ emotional journeys, painted with a hopeful palette on the canvas of life’s unpredictable nature. The film is a poignant narrative about contemporary romance, identity, and the bravery to follow one's heart.

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[photo courtesy of PRAHERFILM., NGF GEYERHALTER, GREENKAT PRODUCTIONS, ORF FILM/FERNSEH-ABKOMMEN, MINERVA PICTURES, TVCO]

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