A nuanced, Berlinale-awarded tour de force chamber drama that illuminates the limits of different kinds of love. A humane, at times uncomfortable conversation about family and care institutions, their boundaries and blind spots, gently ushering towards truths about ourselves.

Visiting her mother and stepfather in London, Amanda catches them both in an intimate moment. The situation escalates tensions between her and Martin, who she believes is taking advantage of her mother Leslie’s dementia and incapacity. When she has lost the ability to make independent decisions, to think in her own interests, and to control her own body – what is the most ethically sound course of action? Who bears the primary responsibility – the spouse, the child, or carers? And is Amanda able to trust and hand the weight of that responsibility to her own teenage daughter Sara, who is madly in love?

Hammer is an architect who has not made a film in 18 years, and who recently won the Silver Bear at the Berlinale for his second feature as a director. The finely wrought screenplay is brought to life in close-up by an outstanding ensemble – Juliette Binoche, Florence Hunt (Bridgerton), Tom Courtenay (45 Years (2015)), and Anna Calder-Marshall, the latter two sharing the Best Supporting Performance award in Berlin. Hammers’ return to cinema stands alongside Amour (2012) by Haneke; captivating through the contradictions and possibilities contained within the very concept of responsibility in this story of three generations.