“A Family”, interview with director Mees Peijnenburg

With “A Family”, Dutch director Mees Peijnenburg marks his return to the Berlinale, after previously premiering, back in 2020, “Paradise Drifters”. He’s considered one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation in the Netherlands and for this film, he could count on the participation of rising Dutch talents Finn Vogels as Eli and Celeste Holsheimer as Nina, alongside Carice van Houten (Game of Thrones, Black Book, Instinct) as their mother Maria, and Belgian actor Pieter Embrechts (Instinct, Stromboli, The Balloonist) as Jacob.

The film explores a difficult divorce through a special but painful point of view: that of the children of the family.

A unique point of view

A Family is a compelling film that centers around a family falling apart, viewed through the perspectives of the children. The film draws from personal experience, highlighting universal themes of emotional safety and the silent struggles families endure.

“A Family is very personal and important to me”, declares the director.

The film uniquely examines family turmoil through the eyes of children, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar subject. It reveals how young characters mirror their parents’ behaviors, often acting with surprising maturity or childhood innocence. The film emphasizes how children’s perceptions are shaped by micro-events, which can have monumental effects on their emotional development. By zooming in on these seemingly minor moments, “A Family” demonstrates their profound impact on shaping individual identities and family cohesion.

The Nuanced Casting

Casting played a crucial role in capturing the nuanced performances required for “A Family”.

The director prioritized authentic portrayals by selecting actors who could embody complex emotional states convincingly. The lead actresses, especially Carice van Houten, bring an emotional vulnerability that deeply moves viewers. The young actors Finn Vogels and Celeste Holsheime were chosen for their raw, unpolished energy, which added authenticity and depth to their roles. Their performances illuminate the subtle, often unspoken, pains of a family in transition, making the film a powerful reflection on vulnerability and resilience.

Plot