Die Ältern (2026)
A German comedy-romance about midlife chaos, marital wobbles, and the unintentionally funny business of trying to change your life.
Die Ältern - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2026
- Directed by: Sönke Wortmann
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 12, 2026 (Austria - 6), February 12, 2026 (Germany - 6)
- Production Companies: Constantin Film, Little Shark Entertainment
- Production Countries: Germany
Die Ältern - Plot
A writer in a midlife and marital crisis, overwhelmed by his growing children and unable to accept change, meets another woman. A bit half-hearted and unintentionally funny, he tries to do something different.
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Die Ältern - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sönke Wortmann
Main Cast
- Sebastian Bezzel
- Kya-Celina Barucki
- Anna Schudt
- Philip Müller
- Enzo Brumm
- Philip Günsch
- Thomas Loibl
- Judith Bohle
- Nilam Farooq
- Claude Heinrich
Writers
- Robert Gold
- Jan Weiler
Producers
- Christoph Müller
- Nurhan Şekerci-Porst
Die Ältern - FAQs
What is Die Ältern about?
Die Ältern follows Hannes, a writer drowning in a midlife and marital crisis, struggling to cope with his growing children and his own resistance to change. When he meets another woman, his half-hearted, unintentionally comic attempts to shake up his life make for a warmly funny and relatable story.
Is Die Ältern based on a book?
Yes, Die Ältern is adapted from a novel. The screenplay was written by Robert Gold and Jan Weiler, with Weiler being a well-known German author whose work frequently explores family life and the comic absurdities of middle age with sharp, affectionate humor.
Who are the main actors in Die Ältern?
The film stars Sebastian Bezzel as Hannes and Anna Schudt as his wife Sara, with Kya-Celina Barucki, Philip Müller, Enzo Brumm, Nilam Farooq, and Claude Heinrich rounding out the cast. Bezzel is a familiar face in German cinema, known for his comedic timing and natural screen presence.
Does Hannes actually leave his family in Die Ältern?
The film keeps things deliberately ambiguous and comedic rather than dramatic. Hannes is more bumbling than decisive — his attempts at reinvention are half-hearted at best, and the story mines plenty of humor from the gap between his romantic fantasies and the messy, loving reality of his family life.
Who directed Die Ältern?
Die Ältern was directed by Sönke Wortmann, one of Germany's most commercially successful filmmakers. He's best known for crowd-pleasing comedies and dramas including Das Superweib, Der bewegte Mann, and the beloved Deutschland series of football films.
When does Die Ältern release in Germany and Austria?
Die Ältern hits cinemas in both Germany and Austria on February 12, 2026 — a Valentine's Day weekend release that feels perfectly suited to this comedy-romance about love, marriage, and the chaos of family life in the middle years.
What genre is Die Ältern?
Die Ältern blends comedy and romance, landing squarely in the tradition of warm, character-driven German comedies. It tackles midlife crisis territory with a light touch — more gentle laughs and human insight than broad farce, making it accessible to a wide adult audience.
What are some films similar to Die Ältern?
If Die Ältern appeals to you, you might enjoy In Good Company (2004), Which Brings Me to You (2023), or Jules and Jim (1962) for their explorations of love, identity, and relationships at a crossroads. Author! Author! (1982) also shares the theme of a writer navigating family upheaval with comic results.
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