Mikes Film Talk

Writer/Director Jaschar Marktanner gives us 2025’s Vielleicht besser so, aka Perhaps Better That Way. In a word? It’s about walls.

Vielleicht besser so Story

Clara and Jule meet for a drink and a catch up. They are both being stopped by walls, of a sort. Clara has issues keeping Benjamin alive and Jule has lost her taste for photography. Later, Clara asks her friend to take a picture of something Jule wishes to remember.

The Vielleicht Besser so Cast

Marlene Fahnster is Jule.

Lisa Leonard is Clara.

Francisco Aurell is Mann.

Let’s Talk Vielleicht Besser so

This rom/com short film, it runs for just under 13 minutes, has a magical feel to it. We all face different sorts of challenges, or walls; if you will. We can empathise with both young women here. Perhaps more with Jules, than Clara. Jules is a creative sort and we all know just how fickle that can be.

Later, on her journey to find “that” picture we have a “Mary Poppins” moment. She runs into a man drawing pictures in the dirt. A la Burt with his chalk stick drawing pictures on the pavement. It is a pleasing moment and one that falls into one of those “meeting cute” scenes we all love.

It Works

This is a perfect example of why short films, when they work, do so with all the ingenuity and timing of a short story. The pieces of the puzzle fit together well and with a modicum of effort, introduce us to the characters. Vielleicht Besser so is a slice of life in Germany with subtitles. Fahnster makes her character feel very alive. As do Leonard and Aurell.

Cinematographer Christoph Flegel and Marktanner work together to give us a picture that looks brilliant. Each frame looks crisp and they snap; making the most of what appears to be natural lighting. The after dark sequence, in the park, stands out perfectly. The film’s score does not over inundate the dialogue.

The Verdict

Those who dislike subtitles will be hard pressed to agree with my rating but I do not have an issue with subbed films. So here goes. Vielleicht Besser so is a full 5 star effort. It entertains and hits all the right spots. The film will be entering the festival circuit soon. As soon as we hear any other news we will let you folks know.