Christoph Hochhäusler’s new crime drama: ‘Death Will Come’

A fresh take on the crime genre

Christoph Hochhäusler, the visionary director behind “Till The End of The Night,” which premiered at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, is back with his latest cinematic endeavor, “Death Will Come”. This gripping crime drama is set to make its debut at the Locarno Film Festival. Produced by Heimatfilm in collaboration with Amour Fou Luxembourg and Tarantula, the film promises to be a unique addition to the genre.

A complex narrative

In “Death Will Come”, we follow Tez, a hitwoman portrayed by Sophie Verbeeck, known for her role in “All About Them”. Tez is on a mission to avenge the death of a crime boss’s courier. The boss, played by Louis-Do de Lencquesaing, has motives that are far more intricate than they initially appear.

Tez remains an enigma throughout the film, with the story only scratching the surface of her character. Hochhäusler intentionally keeps her shrouded in mystery. He believes that the audience and the character must meet halfway. “As a spectator, I am usually willing to go to greater lengths, investing in the fiction so to speak, if the better part of a character stays in the dark,” he explains. This delicate balance in storytelling is what makes Tez such a compelling character.

A departure from the norm

Unlike typical crime films that often glamorize violence, “Death Will Come” focuses on the stress and toll of a criminal life. Hochhäusler reflects on the genre’s ability to recalibrate our relationship with reality. He draws inspiration from the gritty yet operatic gangster films of the 1930s, such as “Public Enemy” and “The Roaring Twenties”.

Hochhäusler’s appreciation for New Hollywood’s renegotiation of this balance is evident. Films like Robert Altman’s “The Long Goodbye”, Dustin Hoffman’s “Straight Time”, and Michael Mann’s “Thief” hold a special place in his heart. In “Death Will Come”, Tez may not buy cat food like Elliot Gould’s character, but she does accept that the gangster she has abducted eats gluten-free, adding a touch of modern realism to the narrative.

A collaborative effort

Hochhäusler’s collaboration with novelist Ulrich Peltzer continues to evolve. This time, they wrote the script in one go during a work holiday near Cologne, starting with a different story idea and allowing Tez’s character to guide the narrative. “It is a lot of fun to write with Ulrich, never routine,” Hochhäusler notes.

Breaking free from labels

The term “Berlin School” was often used to describe Hochhäusler and his contemporaries, such as Angela Schanelec and Christian Petzold. However, Hochhäusler argues that the stylistic diversity within this group was always greater than its reputation. His own path is leading towards a more direct cinema, with a desire to surprise both himself and others. He reveals that he is working on a psycho horror film, a WWII period drama, and a hard-to-categorize film about childhood memories. He even dreams of one day making a Western, a science fiction film, and a comedy.

The allure of Brussels

Brussels, with its unique ambiance, was always envisioned as the perfect setting for Hochhäusler’s “semi-glamorous” crime story. “I fell in love with Brussels when I first visited the city, and immediately wanted to make a film there. This film would not exist without the strange beauty of this town,” he explains. The city’s contrasts, architecture, and gritty charm make it an ideal backdrop for “Death Will Come”. Hochhäusler even expresses a desire to return for a film set in the world of European politics.

Premiere at Locarno

“Death Will Come” is set to premiere in competition at the Locarno Film Festival on August 8. This highly anticipated film promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the crime genre, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of a criminal life.

For those eager to get a glimpse of the film, you can watch the trailer here.

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