‘Trial of Hein’ Review: An Intriguing Brechtian Period Drama Puts Memory on Trial

Home Film News Apr 12, 2026 12:37pm PT ‘Trial of Hein’ Review: An Intriguing Brechtian Period Drama Puts Memory on Trial German writer-director Kai Stänicke’s debut feature follows a closeted man returning to his haunted past. By Siddhant Adlakha Plus Icon Siddhant Adlakha Latest The ‘Dhurandhar’ Duology Review: A Pair of Vicious Action Blockbusters Cement Bollywood’s Bleak Transformation 2 weeks ago ‘They Will Kill You’ Review: A Fiery Revenge Farce Crashes and Burns 4 weeks ago ‘Brian’ Review: A Hilarious High-School Comedy With Dark Jokes and Multiple Meltdowns 4 weeks ago See All Courtesy of Tamtam Film Unfolding in an isolated fishing village, Kai Stänicke’s German drama “Trial of Hein” has a nebulous, nondescript period setting, but its concerns are entirely contemporary. We’re introduced to its uncanny backdrop through the eyes of protagonist Heinrich, or Hein (Paul Boche), a gaunt young man who returns by boat after 14 years away. However, no one in the village seems to recognize him — least of all his mother Mechthild (Irene Kleinschmidt), who suffers worsening dementia. To verify his identity, Hein is put on trial by the village elders, resulting in a revealing drama that, although it states its themes rather clunkily, investigates the nature of experience and recollection with intimacy and aplomb. Related Stories Sam Altman Felt 'Terrible' Telling Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro About OpenAI's Decision to Kill Off Sora, Says Companies Still Looking to Collaborate