Backstairs

A stark, claustrophobic silent tragedy that tightens like a vise around obsessive love and quiet desperation.

Directed by

Leopold Jessner, Paul Leni

Genres

Mystery, Drama, Thriller

Starring

Henny Porten, Fritz Kortner, William Dieterle

Overview

In a poor neighborhood of a big city, a crippled mailman is in love with a maid who lives in his building. However, she is in love with a wealthy and handsome young man, who soon disappears. The mailman provides the maid with letters that get her hopes up... but tragedy will soon befall all three.

How it feels

Bleak, melancholic, tense and dark. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Obsession, loneliness, betrayal, class

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore and sexual content. No swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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