Watch The Erlprince

The Erlprince is a 2016 European film that presents a unique mix of science fiction and drama. The movie centers around the story of a young man named Johannes, played by Stanislaw Cywka, who has a talent for mathematics, as he navigates a strange and difficult world filled with trials, emotions, and metaphorical landscapes. The film takes place in an alternate reality or a post-apocalyptic world, in which technology and science have destroyed the environment, leaving people to live in isolated pockets, struggling to make sense of their world. Johannes is a child prodigy who is haunted by his absent father and a promising yet eerily inexplicable mathematical formula that he discovers. His father, an astrophysicist, has been studying a mysterious astronomical phenomenon known as the "Erlprinz" (The Erl Prince), but disappears before he can unravel its secrets.

Johannes struggles to come to terms with his father's absence and the enigmatic formula that he has uncovered. Additionally, he has a relationship with his mother, played by Agnieszka Podsiadlik,-a strict, demanding, and overbearing woman- that is strained, emotionally complex and charged. His mother is overly critical of Johannes, and he is unable to cope with her irrational and overbearing behavior. She often compares him unfavorably to his father and believes that he should focus on pursuing the traditional path of education and success.

As Johanes struggles to come to terms with his life and his family's expectations of him, he begins to develop a special bond with a girl named Ania (Sebastian Lach) who lives in the forest. Ania is a unique and mysterious girl who has developed a deep understanding of the natural world and seems to possess extraordinary powers. Johannes is fascinated by her and begins to explore her world, hoping to escape the confines of his own mundane existence.

Over time, Johannes begins to discover more about the Erlprinz and his father's research. He uses his mathematical genius to uncover unknown aspects of the phenomenon, yet his discoveries only serve to deepen his sense of isolation and confusion. As the film progresses, Johannes' story becomes more surreal and abstract, as reality and metaphor intertwine, forcing the audience to try and make sense of the film's ambiguous ending.

The Erlprinz is an art-house film that offers something different than what most mainstream viewers might expect. The story is filled with symbolism, metaphor, and deep emotions, and the film explores themes of identity, exploring different perspectives of the self, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

The actors' performances are outstanding, and they bring a believable element to the film's fantastical elements, which help ground the highly metaphorical and abstract story. The cinematography is beautiful, and the use of colors, light and dark contrasts, and the natural and surrealistic composition of the camera-work all help create an otherworldly and dreamlike atmosphere.

Overall, The Erlprinz is a highly recommended film for those who enjoy a unique, quirky, and artistic expression of filmmaking. While some may find the film's highly abstract nature challenging to follow, others will enjoy the visual storytelling, metaphorical imagery, and complex themes that the film immerses us into. The film's exploration into spirituality, symbolism, and identity makes it a thought-provoking and engaging story that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

The Erlprince is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.