Barbara (2012)

In the frosty grip of the Cold War, 1980, we find Dr. Barbara Wolff, a dedicated medical professional, trapped within the iron confines of East Germany. Her crime? The audacious dream of freedom, which led her to file a request for an exit visa. As punishment, she's whisked away from the buzzing life of Charite, her prestigious teaching hospital in East Berlin, and exiled to a quiet pediatric clinic nestled in the country's heartland. Here, she stands alone, an island amidst a sea of potential informants, her every move scrutinized by the ever-watchful eyes of the Stasi secret police. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of André, her superior at the clinic. An honest and compassionate man, he seeks to traverse the chasm of mistrust that separates them. However, in an era of intrigue and suspicion, earning Barbara's trust seems an insurmountable challenge. Amid her clandestine meetings with her West German lover and her secret preparations to defect, Barbara remains aloof, her heart shielded by a wall of caution. But when Stella, a young woman pregnant and on the run from a harsh labor camp, implores Barbara for help to escape the country, Barbara's carefully laid plans begin to waver. Her dreams of a life in Denmark are now entangled with the stark reality of Stella's plight and the moral obligation that weighs heavily on her. As the world around her shifts, Barbara is forced to reassess her desires and confront a torturous moral quandary. Struggling between the relentless pressure and her ethical duty, Barbara's journey in the pursuit of liberty unfolds. Will she manage to attain her long-yearned-for freedom in Denmark, or will she find herself forever trapped in the shadows of her own dreams and regrets? Embark on a journey through Barbara's life, where every decision can alter the course of her destiny.

Barbara is a drama movie featuring Nina Hoss and directed by Christian Petzold.

Barbara is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, Cohen Media Amazon Channel and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Barbara on Apple TV and Kino Now.