Film 'Axolotl Overkill' takes viewers on wild ride through Berlin's nightlife

In Helene Hegemann's film "Axelotl Overkill," the 16-year-old Mifti, played by Jasna Fritzi Bauer (pictured left) lacks direction but is open to new experiences. She isn't interested in school and prefers to spend her nights in bars and clubs. She spends plenty of time hanging around with her like-minded friend Ophelia (Mavie Hörbiger).

The young author, director and actress Helene Hegemann (left) is without a doubt a unique talent. At the young age of 25, she has already written plays, books and directed short films. Her debut novel "Axolotl Roadkill" received good reviews, although she was confronted with accusations of plagiarism. "Axolotl Overkill" is her feature film debut.

She was able to understand the "contradictions" of her character, said Hegemann of actress Jasna Fritzi Bauer. "She understands her and can analyze her, but is playful enough not to think too much about it." The Swiss-born actress is a natural talent, as she has demonstrated in previous roles. She delivers a brilliant performance in "Axolotl Overkill."

Hegemann depicts how Mifti tries to find a place for herself in the midst of a haphazard family. Her mother recently passed away, her father lives with a new woman, and her brothers and sisters are dealing with their own issues, making this a challenge. Mifti searches for a way to shape her own life amidst this setting.

Young Mifti feels drawn to a much older woman, played by Arly Jover. Hegemann hired the actress who is best known to the international audience from her role in the Hollywood horror film "Blade."

Hegemann describes the character of Mifti as "a girl who consciously resists societal standards. She is not submissive, but the immoral, tragicomic fool that only men can play in films."

"Axolotl Overkill" is especially convincing thanks to its non-linear narrative and carefully crafted-images. They impressed the jury at the Sundance Film Festival in the US, which awarded cinematographer Manuel Dacosse a prize for cinematography.

Hegemann has already made short films, written a novel and acted, but "Axolotl Overkill" is her first feature film. When viewers forget Hegemann's history and let themselves go with the flow of the film, they may find themselves feeling like the main character: open to new experiences.