Violin teacher Anna Bronsky detects remarkable talent in a student, Alexander. Anna becomes obsessed with mentoring him, neglecting her family and spiralling under mounting pressure. As her fixation overtakes her, all is staked on exam day.
The Audition considers how we navigate the middle space between power and powerlessness, and Hoss’ performance, whether she’s yearning for affection or responsible for staggering brutality, is the film’s greatest asset.
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Molly Cavanagh
RTLittle White LiesApr 1, 2022
Not lacking in psychological turmoil but the ending doesn’t quite connect the dots.
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Nick Hasted
RTThe Arts DeskApr 4, 2022
Hoss was acting muse to Christian Petzold, carving intense feeling into German social parables such as Barbara (2012) and Phoenix (2014). Her humane performance here gives a warm blush to what could be a chilly portrait.