Krux follows a village in northeastern Germany as the Second World War nears its end and fear, propaganda, and political coercion threaten to overwhelm ordinary life. Ulrike Tony Vahl’s feature debut centers the women trying to keep their families and community going, even as the mayor presses a lethal order and the village’s leaders confront what they have taught and obeyed.
What is Krux about?
Set shortly before the end of World War II, Krux takes place in a village populated largely by women and children, with only a few men remaining. Bodies of unknown origin wash up in the river. No one knows when the enemy will arrive, and the mayor, Walter Grüneberg, pushes for an order that no German should be left alive for the approaching enemy.
The priest, Albert Lose, resists the order. The teacher, Fritz Berg, begins to question beliefs he has previously taught. Greta and Anni, alongside the other women, try to protect the children while daily routines continue under mounting pressure. The conflict is not simply about what the villagers believe, but how much room they have left to choose when fear and authority shape their options.
How the film approaches its subject
The premise places domestic routine beside political collapse: work and care continue while the community is pushed toward an extreme act. Women’s labor and responsibility for the children are central to that tension, rather than a backdrop to the decisions made by the village’s male authorities.
#1 Best Overall
In her 21 September 2026 review, Cineuropa critic Olivia Popp describes the atmosphere as “a heady sense of quiet terror” and discusses enforced social submission and the burden placed on the women. That is a critic’s characterization, not a neutral description of plot. Popp also quotes the mayor saying, “Cyanide pills smell like cake,” followed by “and the delicious poison of bitter almond.” The lines are fictional dialogue in the film, not a historical quotation.
Is Krux based on a true story?
Bayerischer Rundfunk describes the film as inspired by true events, but its official page does not identify a specific village, incident, or documentary source. Filmportal.de likewise does not name a historical event behind the story. The premise should therefore be understood as a film inspired by true events, not as a verified reconstruction of one documented village’s experience.
Rank #2
Who made Krux?
Ulrike Tony Vahl directed and wrote the film. BR also bills her as Tony Vahl. The principal cast includes Jella Haase as Greta, Frida-Lovisa Hamann as Anni, Lukas Miko as mayor Walter Grüneberg, Clemens Schick as teacher Fritz Berg, and Martin Wuttke as priest Albert Lose. Production is led by CALA Filmproduktion, with Extreme Emotions and CALA Film Central among the production partners; BR and ARTE are co-production collaborators.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release, runtime, and rating
| Detail | What is established |
|---|---|
| Toronto premiere | 12 September 2026, in TIFF’s Discovery section, according to filmportal.de. |
| San Sebastián | Selected for the 74th festival competition, according to BR in 2026. |
| German cinema release | Scheduled for 4 February 2027, according to BR and filmportal.de. |
| Runtime | 92 minutes, according to filmportal.de in 2026. |
| German age rating | FSK 16, according to filmportal.de in 2026. |
| Streaming or home-video date | Not stated by the cited sources. |
Release schedules can change, and the listed theatrical date applies to Germany; the sources do not establish dates for other territories. Check local cinema listings for screenings where you live.
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Best Value
Sources
- Bayerischer Rundfunk, “4. Februar im Kino: Krux”
- filmportal.de, “Krux”
- Olivia Popp, Cineuropa, “Review: Krux”
- FILMSTARTS.de, “Krux – Film 2026”
- Sara Clements, Next Best Picture, “KRUX”
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