Adele Neuhauser in "Makellos": A Brief, Melt-in-the-Mouth Wave of Happiness
When Adele Neuhauser and Manuel Rubey share a screen, we Austrians just know: something magical is about to happen. And that's exactly what happened on Tuesday evening when "Makellos" flickered across our tellies. And yes, the title delivers on its promise – at least for the duration of this one, brief wave of happiness that leaves you dreaming long after.
What exactly is "Makellos" about?
The story throws two people together in an encounter that changes everything. Neuhauser plays a woman we've never seen before: vulnerable, witty, with a longing for perfection that's tearing her apart. Rubey, who's also made a name for himself as a writer and musician in recent years, is her perfect foil: laid-back, charming, but with a deep crack in his soul. Together, they make an explosive pair wandering through Vienna – the city here is more than just a backdrop, it's the third lead character.
The film's highlights: Why it gets under your skin
What makes this "Makellos" so special is the lightness with which it touches on heavy themes. It deals with loss, loneliness, the fear of failure. And yet you're glued to the screen with a smile the whole time, because the dialogue is so brilliantly Viennese-quirky and the two leads have a chemistry you only see once in a blue moon.
- The script: It's clever, sharp, and has that particular humour we love here – dry, but never cynical.
- The visuals: Vienna captured in its most beautiful moments. No postcard idyll, but real, breathing parts of the city you instantly recognise.
- The soundtrack: As a self-confessed music fan, Rubey definitely had a hand in this – the songs underscore every mood perfectly without being pushy.
- The ending: (Slight spoiler alert) It's not your typical happy ending, but one that lingers. Like the feeling when you come home after a lovely day at the beach: content, happy, but also a little wistful.
How to best enjoy "Makellos"? A little guide
The question everyone's asking now: How do you properly enjoy this film? Simple: Alone or with someone else, with a good cuppa (or a glass of wine), phone put away, and just let yourself go with it. "Makellos" isn't a film for background noise, it's one you have to feel. The concise runtime of around 90 minutes is perfect for a cosy evening – you'll find yourself sitting a while afterwards, letting the images sink in. Social media is buzzing with reactions: "Finally, an Austrian film that's not cringey but actually really good!" And truly, the excitement is palpable.
My verdict: A delightful comedy with depth
Adele Neuhauser proves once again that she can do more than just the grumpy detective – she's got comedic talent that's completely believable. Manuel Rubey is the ideal partner for her – together they create that rare bit of magic that makes a film unforgettable. If you missed "Makellos", get yourself straight to the station's media library! Because you shouldn't miss gems like this. It's an ode to imperfection, and that's precisely why it touches you so flawlessly.