Fatherland

Set in 1949, this historical drama follows Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika as they travel through a ruined Germany. Returning to their homeland for the first time since fleeing the Nazi regime sixteen years prior, the father and daughter drive from American-controlled Frankfurt to Soviet-controlled Weimar. As they navigate a country divided by the Cold War, the journey highlights the differing perspectives between the writer, who views the land as a cradle of culture, and his daughter, who sees it as responsible for terrible crimes.

The film was directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It is the fifth feature film he has directed, following The Stringer, My Summer of Love, Ida, and Cold War. The movie stars Sandra Hüller as Erika Mann and Hanns Zischler as Thomas Mann, with a supporting cast including August Diehl, Anna Madeley, Devid Striesow, and David Menkin.

Produced by a coalition including ARTE France Cinéma and Pathé, the film had a budget of 12 million USD. Since its release on June 19, 2026, it has received a positive reception from viewers, holding a rating of 7.1/10 on TMDB based on 23 votes.