All of a Sudden

"Pricking the bubble of bourgeois complacency is something that European art cinema can be counted on to do with stalwart regularity– but the operation is handled with particular grace in All of a Sudden (Auf Einmal), a first German-language feature from Turkish writer-director Aslı Özge. Ostensibly a mystery thriller – although the real enigma revolves around psychological and social motives rather than the inciting incident as such - Özge’s drama unpeels the layers of its protagonist, and of his social milieu, to increasingly uncomfortable effect."

"A drama with strong thriller elements, and even an effective and unexpected touch of Lynchian mystery in one of the key scenes."

"Asli Özge harnesses a dazzling array of arresting images and smart plot twists. The actors are excellent...."

"Convincing German drama delves with a mysterious death, class divides and family allegiances, and it has a nice David Fincher-esque finish."

"[B]old and rewarding.... A drama that expertly combines suspense, social satire, psychological study and ethical analysis,... The incisive, insightful script is well served by strong but nuanced performances, by elegant and expressive camerawork, and by Őzge’s assured handling of the unexpected turns and tonal shifts in her wholly compelling narrative."