Jonas (Jonas Dassler) isn‘t named after a Greek hero for nothing. His mother Marlene (Anke Engelke) adores him and fulfills every one of his wishes. The 20 year old exploits that a lot and lives life on the fast lane. He usually spends all night dancing in Berlin clubs and then hops on his skateboard while strung out – until he lands on the hood of a car one morning. The leg is shattered. Jonas barely escaped death, but he‘d like to get back on his board as quickly as possible. His mother decides to take him to a very expensive rehab in Switzerland in her old Volvo. On the way, the two different people get to know each other better. Jonas understands that his mother had a life before him and that his recklessness could impact his life forever. The reformation is predictable and not much happens on this journey. The drive to the destination also takes them to a friend with a farm in the Czech Republic. The different lifestyles collide here: the free spirit in a commune in the middle of nature and Marlene‘s career-focused lifestyle. But before it can become too profound, both of them are already back on the road. The themes that director Lena Stahl touches could easily seem pithy and superficial. But her screenplay deals with it honestly, and the two actors are convincing: Jonas Dassler (DAS GOLDENE HANDSCHUH) gives Jason a young physicality and also embodies the character‘s development in a believable way. Anke Engelke isn‘t funny for a change and is convincing as the frustrated mother. In the end, like in many road movies, the journey is the destination. The trip there also continues after the credits.

Lars Tunçay

Translation: Elinor Lewy