Secrets hidden within monasteries: insider perspectives on monk lifestyle
In Graz, a tragic death at a monastery is under investigation. Initially, the demise of a university student in the monastery library seemed like an accident. However, the forensic pathologist suspected foul play due to suspicious injuries. Detectives Sascha Bergmann and Anni Sulmtaler began an investigation that revealed various inconsistencies and hidden secrets.
"Steirerschuld," the tenth installment of the crime series from Styria, will have a rerun airing today, Saturday, May 31st, at 8:15 PM on the primary channel. Originally broadcast in 2024, the film is directed by Wolfgang Murnberger, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maria Murnberger, using characters created by bestselling author Claudia Rossbacher. The story unfolds in a world not entirely peaceful, utilizing the imposing Augustinian Canonry of Vorau as a backdrop, where the crime victim plunged down a spiral staircase in the historic library.
Before her death, the young woman was observed attending a classical concert in the monastery. Chief Inspector Bergmann harbors a negative perception of monastic life and celibacy and suspects everyone within the monastery, from the abbot to the prior, including the mysterious Father Willibald. An unexpected encounter takes place when Anni reconnects with a former acquaintance who has taken up residence in the monastery as novice Clemens.
Anni finds it hard to believe that the attractive man could feel comfortable in a monastery given his notorious past. She shares a past with the student, Lara Babic, who was conducting research on medieval manuscripts in the monastery. Lara's body was discovered on a page in an hourglass, inscribed with the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." This seems more than a coincidence, as it appears Lara was not alone on the stairs.
One possibility is that the student stumbled upon a fraud or theft during her research. In fact, an essential hourglass page is missing from the archive. Although "Steirerschuld" may not be gripping, it offers an entertaining watch, with convincing performances from Harald Schrott, Dietrich Hollinderbäumer, Benno Fürmann, and others.
While investigating the mysterious death at the Augustinian Canonry of Vorau, Detectives Sascha Bergmann and Anni Sulmtaler take a break from uncovering hidden secrets and watch the crime film "Steirerschuld". The film, directed by Wolfgang Murnberger, shares a similar setting as it also takes place in the imposing monastery.
After the investigation, Anni and Sascha might discuss the case over dinner, finding solace in food and a good movie-and-tv break, perhaps analyzing the movie's plot solutions in comparison with their own investigation.
