Sandra Hüller has earned widespread critical acclaim for her performance in 'Rose,' a black-and-white period drama directed by Markus Schleinzer, which premiered in competition at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival. The film follows a 17th-century woman disguised as a man who returns to a Protestant village after serving as a soldier. Reviewers praise Hüller's nuanced portrayal and the film's exploration of gender dynamics.
The film 'Rose,' directed by Austrian filmmaker Markus Schleinzer, premiered on February 15, 2026, at the Berlin International Film Festival's competition section. Schleinzer, known for his previous works 'Michael' (2011) and 'Angelo' (eight years prior to 'Rose'), crafts a tightly disciplined narrative set in 17th-century Germany during the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War. Sandra Hüller stars as Rose, a war veteran who conceals her gender beneath male attire and claims inheritance to a long-abandoned farmstead in a secluded Protestant village. She gradually integrates into the community through her work ethic and church attendance, eventually entering a pragmatic marriage with Suzanna, played by Caro Braun, as part of a land deal.
Critics have highlighted Hüller's performance as a standout. Variety describes her as amazing "in Markus Schleinzer’s immaculately controlled tale of gender privilege," noting the film's deceptively simple folk tragedy with searing emotional impact. The publication quotes Rose's character: “There is more freedom in trousers,” she says, “and they’re just a piece of cloth, so I put them on.” Film Verdict calls it “a fascinating tale of gender politics in 17th century Germany [that] offers a gripping backdrop for Sandra Hüller’s prodigious acting talents.” Screen labels Hüller “phenomenal” in the “arresting character study,” while Loud And Clear praises the film's “linear structure and unwavering focus on Sandra Hüller’s protagonist.” German outlet Spiegel deems it a “triumph” for the “brilliant” actress.
Running 93 minutes, 'Rose' features black-and-white cinematography by Gerald Kerkletz and an a cappella score by Tara Nome Doyle. The screenplay, co-written by Schleinzer and Alexander Brom, draws from historical research on male-presenting women. Hüller, who won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 2006 Berlinale for 'Requiem,' follows acclaimed roles in 'Toni Erdmann,' 'Anatomy of a Fall,' and 'The Zone of Interest.' The Match Factory is handling international sales at the festival. The Hollywood Reporter echoes the praise, portraying Hüller's role as a woman achieving self-realization through passing as a man in this period drama.
