Boldly reimagining the ancient myth of Undine, this suspenseful tale of romance and betrayal unfolds in modern-day Berlin. A film by Christian Petzold, starring Paula Beer & Franz Rogowski.

Undine, an elemental being associated with water, first appeared in Ex Libro de Nymphis, Sylvanis, Pygmaeis, Salamandris et Gigantibus, etc (A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders, and on the Other Spirits) written by Renaissance alchemist and physician Paracelsus, published posthumously in 1566. The word “undine” derives from the Latin word “unda,” meaning “wave.” Later writers expanded the concept of the undine into a water nymph in its own right, and it continues to live in modern literature and art through such adaptations as Danish Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 Den lille havfrue, or The Little Mermaid, and the 1811 novella Undine by German author Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué.

Undines are almost invariably depicted as female, echoing the ancient Greek idea that water is a female element. They haunt forest pools and waterfalls, their beautiful singing voices sometimes weaving through the sound of rushing water. Compared to humans, undines lack one crucial thing: a soul. Marriage to a human, while shortening their life span on Earth, grants them a human soul. In folklore, it is believed if the man an undine loves betrays her, she must kill him and return to the water.

In Christian Petzold’s version, Undine is a female water elemental who yearns to live among humans. To achieve her greatest desire, she must find true love, and the man she loves must be loyal and love her with all his heart. If he fails, she will be forced to kill him. Undine warns Johannes (Jacob Matschenz) repeatedly of this condition, but her lover, who has met someone else and decides to leave her, takes her threat surprisingly well. He doesn’t believe she seriously means what she said about killing him if they end their relationship.

She asks Johannes to wait for her at a café while she briefly returns to the museum to deliver a lecture. As a museum historian specializing in urban development, Undine Wibeau (Paula Beer) illuminates Berlin’s past for the present, guiding visitors through the city’s fascinating growth and transformation.

After the lecture, Undine returns to the café to find Johannes has left, leaving her frustrated and sad. She stands still, lost in thought, when she’s approached by Christoph, a man who attended her lecture and was so impressed that he followed her to the café. He introduces himself as Christoph (Franz Rogowski), an industrial diver, and asks her to have a coffee with him. But their conversation is interrupted when he clumsily breaks the aquarium, sending a wave of water and fish over them. The two are soaked and bewildered, but a spark has ignited between them.

Miles apart, living in different cities, a passionate relationship nevertheless blossoms between them. Christoph has become her new love, a love that she feels like it could be her true love.

One night, Undine receives an unexpected call from Christoph. He asks about the day they first met at the cafe, if she was waiting for someone. Eager to solidify their relationship, Undine lies, claiming she was not waiting for anyone. The lie backfired. Upset, Christoph calls her a liar and hangs up. Undine has been unable to reach him since.

The next day, Undine rushes to see Christoph at the Lingese, only to be met with grim news. He’d had an accident during yesterday’s afternoon dive, trapped underwater without air for twelve minutes. Now, he lay hospitalized, clinging to life. The revelation shatters Undine. It was impossible for him to have called her the night before. Consumed by guilt, Undine believes her transgression has triggered this tragedy. Driven by guilt and desperate to atone, Undine resolves to fix what she’s broken, even if it means sacrificing her own existence.

“Undine” is a fascinating modern interpretation of the undine myth, written and directed by Christian Petzold. In this captivating retelling, the modern undine grapples with the demands of everyday life like studying and working, even as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, a theme crucial to the original folklore. Every frame is meticulously crafted, capturing the film’s suspenseful narrative and beautifully showcasing the significance of relationships in this mythical folklore. Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski deliver stunning performances, further elevating the film’s emotional impact.

The film’s use of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974 – 2. Adagio, is truly inspired. Not only is it beautiful music, but it also complements the narrative flawlessly, adding a layer of emotional depth that elevates the entire experience.

Undine premiered at Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin on 23 February 2020, where it was selected for the Golden Bear (Goldener Bär) in the competition section. Paula Beer won the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Silberne Bär für die beste Darstellerin). The film was theatrically released in Germany on 20 June.