Director Lance Hammer returns to the Berlin Film Festival with “Queen at Sea,” marking his first film in 18 years. The movie is in competition and features a compelling narrative about aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Star-Studded Cast
The film stars acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche, renowned for her Oscar-winning performances, alongside Tom Courtenay. Courtenay previously won the Best Actor award at the Berlinale in 2015 for the film “45 Years.”
Plot Overview
In “Queen at Sea,” Binoche portrays a single mother facing the dual challenges of raising her teenage daughter and caring for her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, Courtenay plays her stepfather, suspected of abusing his spouse.
Inspiration and Themes
The storyline draws from real-world experiences related to dementia, highlighting the difficult choices families face around agency and consent. Hammer emphasizes the complex dynamics at play when a loved one loses the ability to make critical decisions. He states, “Families struggle with impossible choices regarding agency and consent.”
Production Details
- Produced by: Tristan Goligher and Lance Hammer
- Production Companies: The Bureau and Alluvial Film Company
- International Sales by: The Match Factory
As “Queen at Sea” tackles profound themes of aging and the effects of Alzheimer’s, it aims to shed light on the struggles and responsibilities that emerge within families. The film’s engaging narrative and powerful performances underline the emotional weight of these experiences.
