Sternstunde der Mörder – The Widow Killer

“Faithful adaptation of the novel. The fact that even the plot falls victim to the ravages of war is striking. Rarely does a historical crime drama engage with an event in such a multilayered way, capturing the psychology of moral disinhibition so clearly. Set within this politically intricate, death-laden situation, this high-value German–Austrian–Czech co-production succeeds in telling a drama that is as suspenseful as it is profound. In Christopher Schier’s consistently historical direction, it is not primarily about guilt and atonement, but about personal responsibility and integrity, even as all moral laws seem to increasingly dissolve. All the actors, from Ofczarek and Nay to the Czech supporting cast, are fully up to their task.” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung)

“A historical crime drama that also feels relevant today, a series also about how opportunism and cowardice can turn supposedly innocent people into perpetrators.” (RadioEins RBB)

“Fascinating. Overwhelming performances. Outstandingly filmed high-end drama.” (The Spot Media & Film)

“A must-see ARD four-parter. Thriller and historical drama are skilfully combined. The way psychological thriller, melodrama and historical drama merge here is consistently coherent and gripping – these three hours of film barely allow time to breathe. The way the two kindred spirits oscillate between zest for life and an atmosphere of doom is portrayed in a touching way by Nicholas Ofczarek and Jeanette Hain. Equally compelling is the hesitant rapprochement between Buback and the Czechs around Morava. The Czechs speak Czech among themselves (and are subtitled), but their official language in the Protectorate was German: Jonas Nay therefore learned Czech lines and gave his German lines a Czech accent – both are entirely convincing. The acting reaches moments of brilliance at the highest level, even in clearly drawn supporting characters such as Gerhard Liebmann as the stoic killer and Devid Striesow as a model Nazi.” (Berliner Zeitung)

“Outstanding historical miniseries. A gripping literary adaptation, period portrait and crime drama all at once – without black-and-white morality.” (Tittelbach)

“A gripping mix of lesser-known war history and dark psychological thriller, linking concrete Nazi-era horror with larger questions about human nature. The focus of the series shifts from the crime case to the force of history, in which resistance and self-liberation, but also lynchings, become part of an impressively staged collective surge of violence. That this works is due to the strong ensemble, but also to many details. Director Christopher Schier’s adaptation approaches, against a noir backdrop, the question of how one can remain humane in the face of the abyss.” (Stern)

“Outstanding cinematography. Phenomenal cast. Atmospherically dense. Constantly gripping.” (TV Movie)

“A gripping thriller with melancholic depth. Multilayered drama. Brilliant cast.” (Kronen Zeitung)

“Top historical crime drama. Linguistic brilliance. Impressive drama highlight.” (TV Digital)

“The series also ignites a glimmer of hope without becoming sentimental. Historical authenticity meets strong contemporary relevance.” (TV Spielfilm)

“The ensemble carries the dark atmosphere with great force.” (Super TV)

“Director Christopher Schier stages it masterfully: light, shadow and costumes perfectly set.” (Der Spiegel)

“Christopher Schier dissolves simple good-versus-evil schemes and places personal stance at the centre.” (Streaming Serien Highlights)

“A mix of history and crime story that is gripping throughout.” (TV 14)

“A gripping and revealing human crime drama.” (TV Direkt)

TV multi-part as 2 x 90 min., 4 x 45 min. and 1 x 180 min.