The dynamic landscape of European cinema is set to be invigorated by "Triptych," an ambitious ensemble crime drama marking the feature film producing debut of German actor Malick Bauer. Known for his captivating breakout performance in the Disney+ series "Sam – A Saxon," Bauer is not only stepping behind the camera but also starring in this high-concept anthology thriller, promising an intense exploration of the human psyche alongside an impressive international cast that includes "Game of Thrones" alum Iwan Rheon. This venture represents a significant milestone in Bauer’s evolving career, transitioning from a celebrated performer to a visionary creative force shaping narratives from the ground up.
Malick Bauer’s ascent in the entertainment industry has been marked by a compelling blend of raw talent and a discerning eye for impactful roles. His portrayal in "Sam – A Saxon," a series that garnered critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and historical resonance, solidified his reputation as an actor capable of carrying complex narratives. The series, which delved into the life of the first Black police officer in East Germany, allowed Bauer to showcase a depth and nuance that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. This success undoubtedly provided a robust platform for his ambitions, paving the way for a more expansive role in film production. For an actor to transition into a producing role often signals a desire for greater creative control and the opportunity to champion stories that align with their personal artistic vision. Bauer’s decision to embark on this journey with "Triptych" speaks volumes about his commitment to challenging cinematic norms and contributing to narratives that provoke thought and introspection.
"Triptych" itself is far from a conventional crime drama. Described as a high-concept anthology thriller, its core ambition is to dissect the universal processes that can lead ostensibly peaceful individuals to acts of profound violence. The film aims to meticulously examine the often imperceptible, yet incredibly potent, ‘thin line’ that separates civility from brutality. This thematic depth is particularly compelling in an era grappling with increasing societal tensions and a pervasive sense of unease. The film promises to be more than just a series of interconnected crime stories; it endeavors to be a psychological excavation, probing the triggers, transformations, and moral ambiguities inherent in human nature. By exploring these intricate dynamics, "Triptych" positions itself not merely as entertainment, but as a cultural commentary, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the potential for darkness within us all.
Guiding this intricate narrative is a formidable creative team. Isaiah Michalski, acclaimed for his screenwriting contributions to compelling German series like "Buba" and "King of Stonks," makes his directorial debut with "Triptych." Michalski’s background as a screenwriter suggests a nuanced approach to storytelling, likely prioritizing character development and intricate plot construction, elements crucial for a high-concept thriller. His transition to helming a project of this scale is a testament to the trust placed in his vision by the producing partners. Complementing his directorial debut is the seasoned expertise of Emmy Award-winning showrunner Anna Winger, who serves as an executive producer. Winger’s sterling reputation precedes her, notably for her work on the critically lauded Netflix series "Unorthodox," which earned widespread praise for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery within a restrictive community. Her involvement as an executive producer lends significant weight to "Triptych," signaling a commitment to high-quality storytelling and character-driven narratives that resonate on an international stage. Winger’s proven ability to craft compelling, globally appealing content ensures that "Triptych" will benefit from a keen understanding of narrative structure and audience engagement.
The film’s production journey is as distinctive as its narrative structure. "Triptych" is currently in production, having recently concluded principal photography on its third and final storyline in the vibrant cultural hub of Berlin. This marks the culmination of an ambitious multi-part production that also saw filming take place in the iconic city of London and the picturesque state of Brandenburg surrounding Berlin. The choice of these diverse locations not only adds a rich visual tapestry to the film but also underscores its international scope, aligning with the multilingual nature of its stories.
What truly sets "Triptych" apart, however, is its revolutionary approach to filmmaking, a method championed by Bauer himself. The film was developed through an exceptionally close collaboration between its producers and actors, a stark departure from traditional hierarchical production methods. This innovative, improvisation-driven approach draws inspiration from a growing trend in contemporary arthouse cinema, emphasizing the decidedly human and organic part of the creative process. Bauer notes that each of the three crime stories – performed in English, German, and French – was devised in intimate cooperation with the actors, who played an integral role in shaping and developing their own characters. This methodology fosters an unparalleled level of authenticity and depth in performance, allowing actors to inhabit their roles with a profound sense of ownership and understanding. Examples of this collaborative spirit can be seen in recent works like Jamie Adams’ upcoming drama "Only What We Carry," starring Sofia Boutella and Simon Pegg, and Hong Sang-soo’s "What Does That Nature Say to You," both lauded for their emphasis on actor-led development and spontaneous creative input. For "Triptych," this means a film where the narratives are not just performed, but truly embodied and co-created by its talented ensemble.
Visually, "Triptych" promises a compelling aesthetic, captured in a distinct agile style by Director of Photography Stephan Burchardt. Burchardt’s impressive portfolio includes critically acclaimed series like "Deutschland 89" and "Woman of the Dead," where his cinematography brought a sophisticated visual language to complex narratives. His "agile style" likely suggests a dynamic, responsive, and perhaps handheld approach, designed to immerse the audience directly into the psychological turmoil and unfolding events of the film. This visual strategy will be crucial in weaving together the three interconnected narratives, spanning three languages and delving into distinct subcultures, all while exploring the psychological transformation of seemingly ordinary individuals as they spiral towards acts of violence. The fluidity of Burchardt’s camera work will undoubtedly complement the improvisational spirit of the acting, creating a seamless and immersive cinematic experience.
The cast assembled for "Triptych" is a testament to the project’s ambition and independent spirit, featuring a blend of established stars and rising talents from across the globe. Headlining alongside Malick Bauer is Iwan Rheon, whose unforgettable portrayal of the sadistic Ramsay Bolton in "Game of Thrones" cemented his status as an actor of remarkable intensity and range. His presence immediately adds a layer of anticipation, particularly given the film’s dark thematic explorations. Also joining the ensemble is the distinguished Thorsten Merten, celebrated for his roles in acclaimed German productions such as "Babylon Berlin" and "Gundermann," bringing a wealth of experience and gravitas to the project.
The high-caliber supporting cast further elevates "Triptych" into a truly international affair. Christian Berkel, known for his impactful performances in Hollywood blockbusters like "Inglourious Basterds" and "Valkyrie," brings his formidable presence. Florence Kasumba, a powerful figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with roles in "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War," adds significant international appeal and depth. Rafi Gavron, who captivated audiences in "A Star Is Born" and "The Odyssey," contributes his versatile talent. The cast also features stars from popular German series, including Gina Stiebitz and Max Schimmelpfennig from the cult hit "Dark," and Max Schimmelpfennig also from "Das Boot." Rising international talents such as Sofia Barclay ("Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "Ted Lasso"), Gustav Schmidt ("Maxton Hall," "Wir lieben das Leben"), stand-up comedian Ali Woods, and Shannon Watson ("The Jetty") round out this diverse and exciting ensemble, ensuring a rich tapestry of performances across the film’s three interconnected storylines.
Remarkably, "Triptych" is entirely self-financed by its producing partners, a bold move that underscores their unwavering belief in the project’s artistic merit and independent vision. This self-funding model grants the creative team unparalleled freedom, allowing them to pursue their unique storytelling and production methodologies without the typical constraints often imposed by external financiers. This independent spirit is further bolstered by a dedicated team of industry veterans, including screenwriters Gemma Michalski ("Love Addicts") and Laura Dabelstein ("It’s Britney, Bitch!"), alongside accomplished makeup artist Elke Lebender ("Ku’damm 77"). Their collective experience and commitment are invaluable, providing a strong foundation for a project that dares to challenge conventional filmmaking.
"Triptych" is poised to be a landmark project, not only for Malick Bauer’s producing debut but for its innovative approach to storytelling and production. By fostering an environment where actors are integral to character development and narratives are allowed to evolve organically, the film is set to deliver an authentic and profoundly human exploration of the genesis of violence. With an international cast and crew, a compelling thematic core, and a groundbreaking creative process, "Triptych" promises to be a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience, marking a new chapter in collaborative and thought-provoking filmmaking.
