Actor (m/d) for the student graduation film "Süßer die Glocken nie lügen"
"Süßer die Glocken nie lügen" is a 15-minute student graduation short film that ironically breaks up family dramas as a Christmas murder mystery and at the same time reveals human abysses. On Christmas Eve, a dysfunctional family comes together for a festive dinner, but the celebration takes a dark turn when the grandfather suddenly collapses dead. What follows is an emotionally charged chamber play full of suspicions, secrets and old conflicts. Only at the end does it become clear: the death was part of a staged murder mystery dinner.
Logline
On Christmas Eve, a family gathers for a contemplative feast, but when a murder shatters the idyll, not only do emotions boil over, but also long-kept secrets. But nothing is as it seems.
Plot
Arrival & controversial engagement
On Christmas Eve, the family members arrive at his home for the first time since the tragic accident involving Ludwig's wife and daughter-in-law. The atmosphere is forcedly warm. Ludwig's new girlfriend Charlotte is a particular source of resentment - no one really seems to want to accept her. And when the two announce their engagement, the cordiality fails to materialize.
Money, secrets and initial tensions
At the festive get-together, Martin, Ludwig's son, asks his father for money for a new coaching project. Charlotte's negative response exacerbates the tension within the family. Ludwig accidentally finds out that his daughter Kathrin is pregnant by a work colleague, even though she is in a relationship with Jasmin. This knowledge weighs heavily on Kathrin.
Mischief and unrest
While Jasmin is laying tarot cards for the family, she draws an ominous card for Ludwig. Her reaction causes unrest. Old memories are evoked and conflicts escalate. The Christmas rituals can barely conceal the mood shift. Meanwhile, Luna keeps a close eye on the escalating family situation.
The breakdown
Between conversations, heated arguments and old accusations, the family scatters around the house. Suddenly, Grandpa Ludwig collapses. At first there is silence, then chaos breaks out. A natural death is suspected, but Kathrin realizes from medical evidence that Ludwig's pacemaker has been tampered with.
Suspicion & Silence
The suspicion of murder is in the air, but no one wants to call the police. Everyone would have a motive, everyone was briefly alone with Ludwig. Guilt, fear and mistrust spread. Old wounds open up, dark stories come to light. The family loses control of the evening.
Coming to terms & revelation
In an emotional confrontation, it becomes clear that only Luna can be behind the murder. She found out through old newspaper articles and notes that her grandpa is behind the death of her beloved mother. Driven by hatred, revenge and the desire to save her father's financial situation, she deactivated his pacemaker with a fridge magnet.
Motif
Luna becomes frantic and gives free rein to her emotions. She begins to justify her actions, hateful and deeply disappointed. She blames everyone. Since the car accident, everyone's family has been destroyed. The misery had to come to an end.
The big twist
Suddenly the fire alarm blares - the roast in the oven has burnt. Grandma Charlotte takes it out while everyone sits quietly at the festively laid table again. Grandpa Ludwig is alive - it was all part of a murder mystery dinner. The family was too engrossed in the game. When someone asks how Luna could play so convincingly - closeup on Luna nervously playing with a magnet.
Contact: Louisa
Son Martin - The Blender (44)
Widower, wife died in car accident (partly caused by Ludwig)
Profession: Motivational coach - but failed
Plays his role as son loyally, but is desperate and out for the money
Seems overwhelmed, cracking under pressure
Reacts in horror to engagement → sees chances of money dwindling
Is under Charlotte's influence as she rejects him
Secret: Has massive financial problems
Becomes emotional, cries, breaks down, is suspected in the meantime