'Yella' review

German mystery would work better with less business

By Geoff Berkshire

Critic's Rating:

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Nina Hoss in "Yella" (Credit: Cinema Guild)

Yella (Nina Hoss) leaves home for a promising new job with wily businessman Philipp (Devid Striesow), but discovers she can’t outrun her past, including an abusive ex-husband who seems to be stalking her.

Big question: After it was showered with awards and acclaim in its native Germany, including a best actress award for Hoss at the Berlin Film Festival, does “Yella” have what it takes for success overseas?

Skip it: Despite a handful of effectively unsettling moments it’s never clear what kind of film “Yella” is supposed to be. There are too few thrills, and far too many dull business negotiations, to sustain interest--even for the brief 85 minute running time.

Catch it: Hoss’ commanding presence helps disguise how little we actually learn about her character. She holds your attention even when the movie loses it.

Bottom line: Filmmaker Christan Petzold was inspired by the 1962 cult classic “Carnival of Souls,” leaving little doubt about where his story is heading. But the plot isn’t really the point, it’s just the problem. Petzold has something to say about Germany’s new capitalism, but dressing up a socio-economic critique as a romantic thriller only works if there’s enough suspense to keep the audience intrigued.