Netflix has the best Elyas M’Barek movie, but hardly anyone knows it

Ever since the gigantic success of the Fack ju Göhte films, Elyas M’Barek has been one of the biggest names in German cinema. As the impossible and yet likeable substitute teacher Zeki Müller, he attracted millions of viewers to the local cinemas, so that a spin-off of the series is now in the works.

However, M’Barek not only convinces in mainstream comedies, but has in recent years approached serious roles, such as in The Collini case. Unfortunately, one of his best performances has already fallen into oblivion: in 2020 he stunned in the Austrian Netflix film What we wanted.

What we wanted with Elyas M’Barek: The complete opposite of Fack ju Göhte on Netflix

What we wanted tells the story of a couple who at first glance seem very happy. The truth, however, is different: Niklas (Elyas M’Barek) and Alice (Lavinia Wilson) makes a unfulfilled desire to have children to accomplish. Four times they tried it with artistic fertilization. Every time they failed.

You can watch the trailer for What We Wanted here:

A holiday in Sardinia should give you a new perspective on your life. But then everything gets even worse: Ironically, in the holiday home next door, there is a happy young woman family with two children a. The already tense relationship between Niklas and Alice is put to its toughest test.

We have never seen Elyas M’Barek so fragile and powerful in any other film

Director Ulrike Kofler stages Was wir Wollen as a calm, thoughtful drama that gives us plenty of time to think about the explore the characters’ emotions. For Elias M’Barek, this is the perfect opportunity to show himself from a side that we rarely see in films such as Nightlife, Liebesdings and Co.

In What we wanted, M’Barek swaps Zeki Müller’s sarcasm, which can be used to cover up any weakness, for one touching vulnerability. Its acting is just as reserved as the film is staged. Much is said about looks that we really have to look at to understand them.

Unlike The Collini Case, where there is always a larger story resonating meaningfully in the background, What We Wanted relies solely on the characters. Without emotions on display the desperation becomes palpablewhich pulses deep within Nikolas until it erupts in devastating moments.

Podcast: The 20 best series in July on Netflix & Co.

Are you looking for fresh streaming tips? You can find the most exciting series that you will start in June 2023 on Netflix, Amazon and Co. in our monthly preview in the podcast.

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