The Year I Lost My Mind is a captivating German-language film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the depths of the human psyche. Released in 2017 and directed by Tor Iben, the movie follows the journey of Jan (Alexander Tsypilev), a young man who is struggling with the loss of his father and the subsequent dissolution of his family. As Jan navigates the ups and downs of his personal life, he becomes increasingly drawn to his friend Matthieu (Julien Lickert), a handsome and charismatic artist who embodies everything Jan wishes he could be.
The movie opens with Jan attending his father's funeral, a solemn and emotional event that sets the tone for the rest of the film. Despite receiving condolences from his family and friends, Jan is unable to move past his grief and feels increasingly isolated from those around him. His relationship with his mother is strained, and he struggles to connect with his sister who is preoccupied with her own life. It is in this lonely and vulnerable state that Jan meets Matthieu, a French expat who is new to Berlin and looking for companionship.
From the outset, it is clear that Jan is infatuated with Matthieu, who exudes confidence and a devil-may-care attitude. As the two men spend more time together, Jan becomes increasingly drawn into Matthieu's world, which is a stark contrast to Jan's quiet and conservative existence. Matthieu introduces Jan to a vibrant underground party scene, where they dance to thumping techno beats and experiment with drugs. Matthieu also opens up Jan's mind to new perspectives on sexuality and gender, encouraging him to explore his desires and embrace his true self.
However, as Jan becomes more entangled in Matthieu's world, he realizes that there is a darker side to their relationship. Matthieu is mercurial and unpredictable, prone to outbursts of anger and periods of withdrawal. Jan discovers that Matthieu has a history of mental health issues and substance abuse, which he has been trying to hide from Jan. As Jan struggles to come to terms with his own feelings towards Matthieu, he is forced to confront the reality that their relationship may not be as healthy and sustainable as he had hoped.
One of the strengths of The Year I Lost My Mind is its nuanced and subtle portrayal of mental illness. Matthieu's struggles with bipolar disorder are depicted with sensitivity and empathy, without falling into the trap of sensationalism or melodrama. The movie also explores the impact that trauma and grief can have on a person's mental health, illustrating how Jan's own struggles with loss and isolation contribute to his attraction to Matthieu. The performances of Tsypilev and Lickert are outstanding, with both actors bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles.
Overall, The Year I Lost My Mind is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into the darkest corners of the psyche to uncover truths about love, loss, and the search for connection. Whether you are a fan of arthouse cinema or simply looking for a compelling and thought-provoking drama, The Year I Lost My Mind is a must-see film.
The Year I Lost My Mind is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.
