In Die Sonne Schauen: A Discomforting Examination of Memory and Trauma
In Die Sonne Schauen (Looking at the Sun), directed by Aslı Özge, is a challenging and deeply affecting German film that delves into the complexities of memory, trauma, and the insidious ways the past can shape the present. The film follows Yasemin, a seemingly ordinary woman living in Berlin, whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel as fragmented memories of a childhood trauma surface.
The narrative unfolds slowly, almost deliberately, mirroring Yasemin’s struggle to piece together the scattered fragments of her past. Initially, the film presents her as a successful professional, happily married, and seemingly content. However, unsettling dreams and fleeting visions hint at a buried darkness. These unsettling premonitions manifest in subtle ways, like a specific smell or a familiar face triggering an overwhelming sense of unease.
Özge masterfully uses ambiguity to keep the audience guessing. We are never entirely certain what happened to Yasemin as a child, and the film intentionally avoids explicitly depicting the traumatic event. Instead, the focus remains on the psychological impact of the trauma and its lasting effects on Yasemin’s sense of self and her relationships. This approach, while potentially frustrating for viewers expecting a straightforward narrative, allows for a more nuanced and empathetic exploration of trauma recovery. The film suggests that the process of healing is not linear; it’s a messy, confusing, and often painful journey.
The film’s strength lies in its raw and unflinching portrayal of Yasemin’s internal struggles. Her relationships with her husband and friends become strained as she withdraws and isolates herself, unable to articulate the source of her distress. The viewer witnesses her mounting anxiety and her desperate attempts to control the unraveling of her carefully constructed reality. This is powerfully conveyed through the actor’s performance which is subtle, and understated. This contributes to the film’s overall atmosphere of quiet tension and unease.
In Die Sonne Schauen is not an easy watch. It demands patience and a willingness to engage with its ambiguity. The film’s refusal to provide easy answers can be unsettling, but it also underscores the complexities of trauma and the difficulty of confronting the past. While the film may not offer a comforting resolution, it provides a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of memory, trauma, and the enduring human capacity for resilience. Ultimately, it’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the unseen wounds that can shape our lives and the challenges of facing the darkness within ourselves.