Rose (Schleinzer, 2026) Review: A Centuries Old Story, Recognizable Today

Imagine that all you want in life is the power that freedom gives you. It can have so many meanings depending on who you are. Yet the general consensus of freedom is that it is ultimately the ability to act, speak and think as you, the individual, so wish. It is a generational occurrence, these minorities being put through a world of scrutiny. Seeing stories from centuries ago, and having filmmakers share them with the world, are forever connected to us. In the state of the world now, there is another search and need for freedom that what once was won, is now again lost. 

In an attempt to reveal the story of a queer female in Germany, writer-director Markus Schleinzer also created something to be reflected upon with our current climate. When you watch his latest film Rose you understand how much time and thought went into his process. This is revealed when he stated during the press conference how he wrote pages and pages on Rose’s life before choosing the specifics for the story we see in the film. In a time where hope is lost in the world, for Schleinzer to bring Rose to life brings forward the opportunity for one to reflect.

“The true description of a swindler of the land and its people, who, although born a woman, defiantly behaved under a false name as a man and committed many wicked deeds.”

A true and twisted tale, set somewhere in Germany in the early 17th century occurs one story in the aftermath of the Thirty-Years’ War. In an isolated Protestant village, a mysterious soldier appears claiming to be the heir of a long abandoned manor. With a quiet and modest nature, disfigured face by a war scar, he seeks recognition and acceptance under the terms of a complicated secret. Under a false identity, false name, and pretence of a false gender, he overcomes the villagers’ doubts and builds their approval. Proving himself to be hard-working and a family man, he becomes a part of this community. In her true name, Rose (Sandra Hüller), will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. 

Before we go into the concept of Rose’s alter ego, let us be brought into the film itself by the choices Schleinzer makes. Reminiscing the war, we begin with a field shot in monotone. Historical pieces need not always be set in black and white, but as Schleinzer stated, he believes that the lack of colour allows for the audience to rearrange their focus. Giving the filmmaker a chance to try and rethink the story. Whether it be with the scene setting or costumes, and especially with the talent of its actors. Much more is said in Rose with these choices and it comes across greatly in the genius of the director. 

“…disguise in order to survive.”

Creating this persona for herself gave Rose the chance to be free. This freedom allowed her to have the opportunities not given to women in this day and age. It becomes a form of armour for her to use. Rose knew she did not want to be a man. However, it was the disguise which allowed her to follow her selfish instincts. When given the chance to gain land and more worth, she would stop at nothing. Honestly, while the curation of this strong woman through historical fact did much for the film, it was Hüller’s performance which brought it all together. 

As she graces the screen with her presence, Rose is heightened, but not simply by the actor herself – though the performance remains superior. In fact, with the impeccable costuming and makeup, one could believe in the manliness of the person. It is through the passion and honesty of the performance which Rose is brought all the more to life through the screen. In one moment she is a brave masculine presence on the screen, and in the next she is an innocent woman being tormented for her lies and illegal actions. Not only does she deliver a powerful performance as well as another truly passionate monologue, Hüller has intense chemistry between her and her counterparts. Among those around Rose, whether that be the other men she interacts with, or the doting Suzanna (Caro Braun), their connections take the viewer more and more into the time and the story. 

Seen as “wicked deeds” for women, had they been committed by a man they would be admirable. All the more reason for the need to do what she did. Rose may be a period piece, but it is the queer element and commonality of the problem faced that reminds us how this centuries old tale is relevant in our present. Think about the world right now. So many minorities who fought for their freedom are on the brink of losing it once more. To connect us back to the past, brings us closer to seeing the present. We reflect upon matters like these in different ways, but to see the honourable and treacherous story of Rose is just another manner for a message to be passed along.

The beauty and grace woven throughout Rose could have only been done with a director who could see the world from a different perspective. The film’s queerness is reflected throughout and with Hüller’s performance of our titular character, the story is brought forward. As Rose world premiered at the 76th Berlin Film Festival on Sunday February 15, 2026, it has released into the world this hidden story. We must remember that though centuries old, it cannot be anymore connected then with today’s time.