Yella (2007)

In Christian Petzold's gripping drama, we journey with Yella, a woman escaping the confines of her broken marriage and stagnant professional career in her Eastern German hometown. Her yearning for a fresh start lures her towards the promise of a prosperous job and a new life in the West. Upon her arrival in Hanover, she crosses paths with Philipp, a shrewd executive of a private equity firm. As Yella immerses herself in this ruthless world of high stakes business as Philipp's assistant, she sees a glimmer of her dreams crystallizing into reality. However, even as she steps closer to a brighter future, Yella finds herself ensnared by the menacing echoes of her past. Phantom voices and unsettling sounds from the life she left behind begin to haunt her, threatening the stability of her newfound existence. Meanwhile, her estranged husband, unable to relinquish his grip on her, remains a potent symbol of her former life. Their tumultuous relationship spirals towards a dramatic climax, casting an unexpected shadow over Yella's life and unsettling the trajectory she's painstakingly charted. In this intriguing narrative, Yella's struggle to break free from the past while navigating her future becomes a suspenseful exploration of resilience and identity. Her story serves as a potent testament to the enduring human spirit amidst the relentless tides of change.

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

Yella is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel and Topic.

It is also possible to buy Yella on Vudu.