EIFF 2015: The Chambermaid Lynn (Das Zimmermädchen Lynn)

Film Review by Chris Fyvie | 19 Jun 2015
Film title: The Chambermaid Lynn (Das Zimmermädchen Lynn)
Director: Ingo Haeb
Starring: Vicky Krieps, Lena Lauzemis, Steffen Münster, Christian Aumer, Christine Schorn

Writer-director Ingo Haeb observes his film's eponymous character in much the same way as she views the world and the people around her: distant, chilly, almost forensic, but with genuine fascination and zero judgement of the peccadilloes encountered.

Lynn (strikingly played by Vicky Krieps) is outwardly naïve and lacks empathy. She uses her position in a drab hotel to get closer to the humanity that so baffles her by snooping, trying on guests’ clothes and even hiding under the bed to observe. During one such voyeuristic session she witnessing an exchange between Chiara (Lauzemis), a BDSM prostitute, and her client. Curious, Lynn contacts Chiara and the two begin an unlikely relationship.

The detachment and pragmatism with which Lynn’s behaviour is presented is the film’s strength, and hinges on Kreips being able to sell her character’s evolution. She does this brilliantly; the funny bits are funny, and the creepy bits creepy, while Haeb’s unobtrusive style captures with great beauty the tenderness and excitement of her and Chiara’s burgeoning romance. A surprisingly sweet and emotive experience.


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The Chambermaid Lynn (Das Zimmermädchen Lynn) has its UK premiere at EIFF 2015:

19 June, 8.40pm, Cineworld; 26 June, 6.20pm, Cineworld