Das Spiel der Hoffnung (2017)

• 71%
• 2017
• Fantasy
• Paul Kindersley
• Jenny Runacre
• Doreen van der Meer
• Roxanne Jean Weller

Kindersley's first feature-length film, 'Das Spiel der Hoffnung' is a vampire flick-cum-family drama set in and around the grounds of an English country house. Following the central character from infant innocence to an ageless teenage persona, we witness the tussle between a 'family' descending into delirium as the special relationship between an aunt and her teenage nephew is upset by the arrival of two mysterious guests. Spanning four mealtimes, the film dips in and out of horror clichés, whilst exploring gender roles, wildlife, cooperation and individual expression. From classically trained actors to children, the cast spans ages and experiences, the lines are blurred between reality and fiction as Kindersley found his cast online via Facebook and Instagram. All were only introduced just as filming commenced, communally living and working together, meaning elements of each of the actors' real lives and languages seep into the improvised story. The ways in which online friendships flourish and unravel (either into fantasy or clinging dependence) is examined throughout, in the extended metaphor of vampirism.