Conventionally, films, like plays, follow a three act structure. Very few though do it as blatantly as ‘In the Fade’. Not only is each act introduced by title cards…The Family, The Trial, and The Sea, but each one is entirely different in tone and content. The first is largely a study in grief, the second, a courtroom drama and the last, a revenge tale.
Most reviews I have seen have singled out the middle one as the weakest. Fairly conventional it may be but I found it the most compeling section. The German court proceedings were unusual, and a little baffling, and the judgement was in doubt until the end. It also introduced Ulrich Tukur as the father of one of the accused. He has a small part but it is a telling one. Otherwise the film is dominated by Kruger. Not always easy to like but that makes her more believable and Krugers performance all the more impressive.
Unfortunately, the film is deeply flawed. The reason why Katja immediately determines that Nazis murdered her family is never made clear. Also, the first act drags and the last lacks credibility.
An uneven film then with a central performance that holds it together.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10