A long-standing silence between a mother and her daughter is about to be tested in the upcoming ZDF TV film "Das gläserne Kind," which airs on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at 21:15. The film stars Katharina Böhm as Anne Schuchardt, a mother who attempts to mend her relationship with her estranged daughter, Helen, played by Hanna Plaß.
Anne and Helen have not spoken in six years, following a bitter argument on the day of the funeral of Lukas, Helen's brother. The rift between them has only deepened during Helen's time in the USA, where she has been living away from her family. However, with Helen's unexpected return to Munich, the two women must confront their painful past and the unresolved issues that have kept them apart.
Anne, who is now 60 years old, is trying to start a new chapter in her life after mourning her son for the past six years. She plans to relocate to La Palma but needs Helen's consent to sell the family home. This adds another layer of complexity to their already strained relationship. Anne feels hurt and left out, especially since she was unaware that she had become a grandmother. Helen has brought her son, Luke, along, named after his deceased uncle, which adds to Anne's emotional turmoil.
The film explores the backstory of the family, gradually revealing the events that led to the deep-seated conflict between Anne and Helen. Old wounds, unspoken accusations, and profound grief weigh heavily on their reunion. The presence of young Luke, played by Lennox Louis Seigerschmid, offers Anne a bittersweet opportunity to reconnect with her family, but it also forces her to confront the reality of her estrangement from Helen.
As the story unfolds, the audience sees how Anne attempts to build a relationship with her grandson while also striving to mend fences with her daughter. The film features a supporting cast that includes Daniel, Anne's neighbor (David Zimmerschied), Anne's ex-husband Michael (Stephan Kampwirth), and Helen's best friend Stella (Rona Özkan), all of whom play crucial roles in trying to mediate the ongoing conflict.
Despite their efforts, the tension remains palpable, as both Anne and Helen struggle with the weight of their shared history. The film poses a poignant question: Can the present offer a chance for mother and daughter to connect on a new level, even as the past remains unchangeable?
Directed by Suki M. Roessel and written by Alina Schmitt, "Das gläserne Kind" is a poignant family saga that delves into themes of grief, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial relationships. The film has already garnered attention, having premiered in 2024 at the Festival des Deutschen Films.
For viewers eager to catch the film, it will be available on ZDF-Streaming following its television debut. The film runs for 90 minutes and is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the challenges of family dynamics.
In addition to the film’s release, hitchecker.de is hosting a giveaway of the book "Töchter und Mütter: Unsere Beziehungen klären, versöhnen, stärken" by Cornelia Mack. The contest closes on June 10, 2025, and interested participants can enter by filling out a form on the website.
As the air date approaches, anticipation builds around whether Anne and Helen can bridge the gap that has kept them apart for so long. Will they find a way to heal their fractured bond, or will the shadows of their past continue to loom over their attempts at reconciliation? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: "Das gläserne Kind" promises to be an emotional journey that reflects the struggles and triumphs of family life.
