A young woman, adrift in a new city, stumbles into a night that will change everything. Victoria, a Spanish runaway in Berlin, seeks connection and finds it in the magnetic pull of a local named Sonne. Their chance encounter sparks a flirtation, an invitation, and a descent into the city’s hidden underbelly.
What begins as a promising night out with Sonne and his friends quickly unravels, revealing a dangerous secret that threatens to consume Victoria. The carefree energy of the evening transforms into a chilling realization – she’s entangled with people living on the edge, and their world is far from safe.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a cinematic feat. Director Sebastian Schipper daringly filmed the entire movie in a single, unbroken take. Imagine the pressure, the precision, the sheer audacity of capturing over two hours of narrative without a single cut.
The result is a relentlessly tense experience, lauded by critics for its propulsive energy and authentic characters. Sight & Sound called it a “lively and engrossing exercise in creative swagger,” while Empire Magazine praised the film’s believability. It’s a masterclass in sustained suspense.
Audiences echo the critical acclaim, captivated by the film’s immersive quality. One viewer described it as “phenomenal,” keeping them hooked from beginning to end. Another called it a “rush,” an overwhelming and stressful story that lingers long after the credits roll.
The ambitious one-shot structure wasn’t initially embraced by the film’s financiers. Schipper was forced to prepare a traditionally edited version, a safety net in case the audacious plan failed. He deemed that version “not good,” and pushed forward, determined to realize his vision.
He shot the final version three times, each attempt building in intensity. The first was technically precise but lacked soul. The second was chaotic, fueled by desperation. It was the final take, born from a potent mix of creativity and aggression, that ultimately captured the film’s raw power.
Victoria now stands alongside other groundbreaking one-take films like *Boiling Point* and *Birdman*, a testament to the power of innovative filmmaking. It’s a story that grips you, holds you breathless, and refuses to let go.
