Das Fremde in mir

The Stranger in Me

Rebecca and Julian are joyfully expecting their first child. But as soon as the baby is delivered, Rebecca feels an inexplicable fear and helplessness. The tiny being that is so dependent on her is a complete stranger to her. Rebecca′s condition worsens from day to day – to the point that she realizes she is becoming a threat to her child. But besides herself no one seems to notice her dilemma. She is unable to confide in anyone, not even in Julian. For: who speaks about the unspeakable? About emotions that fit into no system? About feelings she has never even heard of?

After Rebecca collapses, only her mother recognizes what her daughter needs: professional help and support in building up the mother-child relationship. Rebecca is admitted to a clinic. She gradually begins to regain her health and to long for her little son. Perhaps the mother instinct is beginning to awaken in her…

Director and co-writer Emily Atef throws the audience into emotional turmoil with her gripping portrait of a mother′s struggle to connect with her child. Emily Atef: "In Germany alone, 80,000 new cases of postpartal depression are reported every year, yet we still know very little about this illness, which is rarely even talked about. The bond to the child is weakened by an illness bearing severe social and personal repercussions, even after recovery. I have long been preoccupied with this issue. It moves me. I can′t stop thinking about it."

Source: 59. Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Catalogue)