The movie Wetlands is a German drama film directed by David Wnendt. The film is based on the novel by Charlotte Roche and premiered at the 2013 Locarno Film Festival. The story follows 18-year-old Helen Memel, played by Carla Juri, as she navigates her way through adolescence and sexual exploration while dealing with a dysfunctional family and experiences in the hospital following a shaving accident.
Helen is portrayed as a rebellious teenager who is unapologetic about her sexuality and views on life. She is frequently seen engaging in risky sexual behavior and breaking social taboos with her friend Corinna, played by Marlen Kruse. The two friends share an intimate bond, and their friendship is the only stable relationship in Helen's life.
After suffering a shaving accident, Helen is admitted to the hospital for treatment. There, she meets Robin, a male nurse played by Christoph Letkowski, who takes an interest in her. The two begin a relationship, and Robin becomes the only other person who understands Helen and accepts her for who she is.
Throughout the film, Helen struggles to reconcile her unconventional beliefs and actions with the views of her conservative family and society. She confronts her mother, played by Meret Becker, about their strained relationship and her father, played by Axel Milberg, about his hypocrisy. As the film progresses, Helen's character evolves from a defiant teenager to someone who learns to accept herself and embrace her sexuality in a positive way.
Wetlands is a provocative and controversial film that explores themes of sexuality, mental health, and social norms. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its frank depiction of female sexuality while others condemning its graphic content. Despite the controversy, Wetlands is a thought-provoking film that sheds light on the complexity of human relationships and the difficulties of coming of age in a conservative world.