Stations of the Cross is a German drama film, directed by Dietrich Brüggemann. The movie follows the story of Maria, a 14-year-old girl who lives in a traditionalist Catholic community. Maria’s family belongs to the Society of St. Pius XII, a Roman Catholic group that follows the Latin Mass and rejects the Second Vatican Council.
Maria becomes increasingly dedicated to her faith and begins to see herself as a martyr, believing that her suffering will bring her closer to God. She starts to take extreme measures to prove her devotion, such as fasting and self-flagellation, which leads to concern from her family and community.
The movie is divided into fourteen segments, each one corresponding to a station of the cross. Each segment is shot in a single take, adding a sense of unease and claustrophobia to the already tense atmosphere.
As Maria’s devotion intensifies, she begins to feel increasingly disconnected from her peers at school. She is bullied by her classmates and struggles to communicate with them, leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation.
Stations of the Cross is a thought-provoking and powerful film that explores the themes of faith, family, and the struggle to belong. It won the Silver Bear for Best Script at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2014.
