Watch Victoria

Victoria (2015) directed by Sebastian Schipper is a thrilling heist film shot in a single take, meaning that the entire movie is one continuous shot. The story follows a free-spirited Spanish girl, Victoria (Laia Costa), who is living in Berlin and decides to venture out one night to experience the city's infamous nightlife. At a club, she meets a group of four young men, Sonne (Frederick Lau), Boxer (Franz Rogowski), Blinker (Burak Yigit), and Fuss (Max Mauff), who invite her to join them on an adventure. Victoria agrees, and their exploits take her on a wild ride filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists.

The movie begins with Victoria leaving a nightclub in the early hours of the morning. As she is about to leave, she meets Sonne, who is instantly captivated by her. As they begin to talk, Victoria tells Sonne that she is a trained pianist and is in Berlin alone. Sonne reveals that he and his friends have a plan to rob a nearby bank but need a getaway driver. Victoria, who is charmed by Sonne and excited by the prospect of an adventure, decides to join them.

The majority of the movie takes place in real-time, and the audience follows the group's journey through the streets of Berlin while they prepare for the heist. The impeccable camera work creates a sense of immersion that makes the viewer feel as though they are part of the group. The intimate close-up shots of the characters' faces give the film a sense of realism that one cannot achieve with traditional movie shots.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is the excellent performances by the actors. Laia Costa, in particular, delivers an outstanding performance as Victoria. Her portrayal of a free-spirited woman, who is living in a foreign country and trying to find her place in the world, is touching and relatable. She effortlessly transitions from carefree to serious as the stakes of the heist become clear, and she becomes more involved.

Frederick Lau is also excellent as Sonne, who tries to hide his nerves as he leads the group in executing the heist. Franz Rogowski, Burak Yigit, and Max Mauff round out the cast, and their chemistry is palpable, making their camaraderie and reliance on each other feel genuine.

As the group makes its way to the bank, they encounter several obstacles that test their resolve and loyalty. The tension builds steadily as the audience watches the group navigate their way through challenges, including being questioned by the police and running into a rival gang. The final act of the film delivers a thrilling conclusion that will have the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Victoria is an exceptional movie that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. The fact that the entire movie is shot in one continuous take is impressive and makes the film all the more captivating. The performances by the actors are brilliant, and the story is original and full of surprises. The film captures the essence of Berlin, which adds depth to the overall experience. All in all, Victoria is one of the best movies of the last decade and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great acting, cinematography and storytelling.

Victoria is a 2015 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 77.