Afire (2023)
Christian Petzold's sun-scorched chamber drama pits a self-absorbed novelist against wildfire, desire, and the limits of his own empathy.
Afire - Movie Information
- Original Title: Roter Himmel
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Christian Petzold
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 20, 2023 (Germany - 12), July 14, 2023 (United States - NR), July 14, 2023 (Canada), April 20, 2023 (United Kingdom - 12A), September 6, 2023 (France - TP), November 2, 2023 (Brazil - 14), September 5, 2024 (Mexico - B), November 30, 2023 (Italy), June 14, 2024 (Spain - 12), September 13, 2023 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Bầu Trời Đỏ Lửa (VN), 火灼的天空 (HK), Die Glücklichen (DE), When They Love (US), 더 레드 스카이 (KR), 野火蔓延時 (TW), Полум'яне небо (UA), آسمان سرخ (IR)
- Production Companies: Schramm Film, ZDF, ARTE
- Production Countries: Germany
Afire - Plot
Self-important author Leon joins his best friend on a summer holiday near the Baltic Sea to complete his novel. When they arrive, they find their house is already occupied by a carefree woman who challenges Leon to open up. Meanwhile, forest wildfires rage around them and impending disaster looms.
Afire - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the summer unravel in Petzold's fire-tinged drama:
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Afire - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Christian Petzold
Main Cast
- Thomas Schubert
- Paula Beer
- Langston Uibel
- Enno Trebs
- Matthias Brandt
- Jennipher Antoni
- Ralph Barnebeck
- Esther Esche
- Mario Fürstenberg
- Assunta Hamm
Writers
- Christian Petzold
Producers
- Florian Koerner von Gustorf
- Anton Kaiser
- Michael Weber
Afire - FAQs
What is Afire about?
Afire follows Leon, a self-absorbed novelist who retreats to a Baltic Sea cottage to finish his book. His solitude is disrupted when he discovers the house is already occupied by the spirited Nadja. As an unexpected attraction develops, encroaching wildfires force a reckoning with his emotional detachment and creative arrogance.
Who are the main actors in Afire?
Afire stars Thomas Schubert as the prickly novelist Leon and Paula Beer as the free-spirited Nadja. The supporting cast includes Langston Uibel, Enno Trebs, and Matthias Brandt. Paula Beer previously collaborated with director Christian Petzold on Undine (2020) and Transit (2018).
Does Leon's novel get published at the end of Afire?
At the film's conclusion, Leon's original manuscript is rejected by his editor Helmut, who finds it emotionally hollow. However, after the devastating events of the summer — including personal loss tied to the wildfires — Leon begins a new novel, suggesting that genuine suffering has finally unlocked his creative voice.
Where can I stream or watch Afire?
Afire is available to stream with a subscription on the Criterion Channel and for free on Kanopy. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who directed Afire and what is his style?
Afire was directed by Christian Petzold, one of Germany's most acclaimed contemporary filmmakers. Known for his restrained, literary approach, Petzold frequently explores themes of identity, desire, and displacement. Afire is part of his informal Elements Trilogy, following Undine (water) and Transit (air), with fire as its central motif.
What is the age rating for Afire?
Afire is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. In Germany and the United Kingdom it carries a 12 or 12A certificate, indicating it is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over. The film contains mature themes, some sexuality, and scenes of wildfire-related peril.
Is Afire based on a true story?
Afire is not based on a specific true story. Christian Petzold drew inspiration from the recurring summer wildfires in Germany and broader anxieties around climate change, weaving them into an original narrative. The Baltic Sea setting and the character of Leon are fictional, though the environmental backdrop reflects real ecological concerns.
How long is Afire and when was it released?
Afire has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It premiered in Germany on April 20, 2023, and received its US theatrical release on July 14, 2023. The film had its international debut at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2023, where it won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize.
More About Afire
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