Andrea Severs Ties - Review of the Glasgow Film Festival 2025

      **Andrea Gets a Divorce, 2024.**

      Directed by Josef Hader.

      Starring Birgit Minichmayr, Josef Hader, Thomas Schubert, and Robert Stadlober.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      A policewoman seeks a divorce and a promotion in her city job, but after accidentally running over her drunk husband with her car, she flees the scene, committing a hit-and-run. Films about divorce can often be emotionally intense and challenging, reminiscent of *Marriage Story* or *Kramer vs. Kramer*. However, Josef Hader's *Andrea Gets a Divorce* plays with audience expectations surrounding this theme and makes the most of its title, not delivering the anticipated narrative. Andrea, a rural police officer in Austria, is trapped in an unfulfilling marriage and dreams of escaping to become an inspector in the city.

      What transpires is far from what Andrea had envisioned. After her birthday celebration, her intoxicated husband steps into the path of her vehicle and is killed. Although she is now free from her husband, this incident brings about new complications, forcing her to utilize her police expertise to evade suspicion.

      There are echoes of Neil Forsyth's underappreciated BBC series *Guilt*, and comparisons to *Fargo* can be made. Despite the serious themes, there is an underlying quirkiness and humor throughout the film. The various individuals involved in the investigation and incident are portrayed with distinct personality traits. Director Josef Hader is particularly entertaining as teacher Franz, who becomes a prime suspect. He is forgetful but infuses humor into his scenes, with an interaction with Andrea over coffee being particularly delightful.

      Birgit Minichmayr shines as Andrea, exhibiting a naturally deadpan and reserved demeanor, effectively portraying her inner conflict and her attempts to navigate the situation to avoid wrongdoing while also ensuring justice is served.

      While it may be light in some aspects, the film captures the tightly-knit community where everyone knows one another and is aware of the tragedy. Hader skillfully balances elements of tragicomedy, farce, and more serious reflection. This balance is especially evident in the dynamics between Andrea and Franz, two seemingly mismatched characters who bond over their shared experience of the incident.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Chris Connor