Four Hands

Four Hands is a 2017 German psychological thriller by Oliver Kienle, featuring a gripping narrative that delves into trauma and its pivotal role in the lives of two sisters, Jessica, portrayed by Frida-Lovisa Hamann, and Sophie, played by Friederike Becht. Strong performances by both leading ladies, particularly Hamann, amplify the tense and complex nature of the narrative, which probes deep into human psyche, repressed memories, and the extent to which a traumatic past can affect one's present.

The storyline examines the intricate dynamics of sisterly bond and how it becomes burdened with guilt, tragedy, and the enduring nightmares of a shared past. The movie opens with the tragic killing of the sisters' parents, a gruesome incident that the young girls witness. The older sister, Jessica, promises to protect Sophie, an oath that has profound implications for their relationship as they grow older.

In adulthood, the sisters' lives have taken vastly different paths. Jessica, the elder sister, played by Frida-Lovisa Hamann, personifies strength and tenacity. She is a successful pianist who manages to carry the weight of the promise she made as a child. Between juggling her career and taking care of Sophie, Jessica's life is a constant struggle to strike a balance and suppress her own feelings of trauma and guilt.

On the other hand, Sophie, portrayed brilliantly by Friederike Becht, copes differently with the tragedy. The death of their parents still haunts her, manifesting itself as severe paranoia, crippling her ability to lead a normal life. Torn between love for her sister and the desire to protect her, Jessica takes on the role of Sophie's guardian, a decision that strains their relationship further.

The strained sisterly bond takes an even more strenuous turn when a mysterious man, portrayed by the talented Christoph Letkowski, enters their lives. He claims to know the identity of their parents' murderer, who is apparently not dead as the sisters had believed. This revelation sets off a series of unsettling events that send the sisters spiralling through a whirlwind of uncertainty, furthering the divide between them and their perspectives of the past.

Despite the tragic undertones, Four Hands also highlights the profound strength found in sisterly love. Jessica and Sophie's relationship, while complex, demonstrates a powerful bond that persists in the face of adversity. This, along with the recurring motifs of protection and healing, gives the film depth and resonance beyond its thriller contours.

Impeccable cinematography by Yoshi Heimrath complements the film's narrative beautifully. The hauntology of the sisters' shared past, their trauma and the ever-evolving dynamics of their relationship find expression in Heimrath's atmospheric visuals. The captivating shots, alongside Moritz Denis and Eike Hosenfeld's evocative music compositions, create an immersive viewing experience, adding to the thrilling nature of the film.

Four Hands is stirring and relentlessly intense, making it a stand-out psychological thriller. Yet the core of its narrative lies in the exploration of the human psyche, our perceptions of memory, and how distinct people learn to deal with trauma differently. With deeply nuanced performances and a compelling storyline, Four Hands is indeed a cinematic masterpiece that viewers won't easily forget.