"The Last Name": Introduction to the Family's Chamber of Terror
The German comedy film "Der Nachname" (The Last Name) is set to air on ARD on July 28, 2022, at 20.15 Uhr. Directed by Sönke Wortmann, the film features a star-studded cast including Iris Berben, Justus von Dohnányi, and Christoph Maria Herbst.
The film delves into themes such as masculinity, money, and the modern concept of family, as society's debated topics come into play. The unique aspect of this comedy is its emphasis on family names, as suggested by the title and the credits presentation that lists all cast and crew only by their family names.
The plot revolves around the Boettcher family, whose conflicts have been brewing for some time. Dorothea, a member of the '68 generation, secretly married her adoptive son Rene, causing tension within the family. Thomas, Dorothea's son, is horrified by Dorothea's decision to take Rene's last name, König, which university professor Stephan argues is of great importance. Stephan believes that the last name is what remains of a person and opens up a whole world when mentioned.
Rene's adoption as Dorothea's stepfather further complicates the family tree, causing confusion and bewilderment among the family members, particularly Stephan, Elisabeth's husband. The characters in the series are known from the 2022 film "The First Name" and the 2024 film "The Nickname."
The debate about Dorothea's last name serves as a catalyst for the family's hidden secrets and lies to surface. Wortmann uses sharp dialogues to pit his star ensemble against each other, stirring a mix of war and comedy.
As the secrets unfold, the family must navigate their new reality, exploring the complexities of family, identity, and tradition in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. "Der Nachname" promises to be a compelling watch, offering a fresh take on a universally relatable topic.
Movies-and-tv enthusiasts will be keen to know that the new German comedy film "Der Nachname" is set to air on ARD, as part of their entertainment lineup. This film, a sequel to "The First Name" and "The Nickname," delves into the complexities of family, identity, and tradition, using sharp dialogues to explore society's debated topics such as masculinity, money, and family names.
