Irrlicht (film)

Irrlicht is a 2022 Austrian musical drama film directed by Paul Florian Müller. The film is a modern adaptation of Wolfram von Eschenbach's medieval poem Parzival.

The film follows Max, a social worker and volunteer firefighter, as he struggles to reconcile his ideals with the realities of everyday life and the limitations of his capabilities. He finds himself increasingly drawn to escapist fantasies and desires, mirrored in the themes and narrative of Parzival. The film blends realistic social commentary with surreal and dreamlike sequences, incorporating music and theatrical elements to explore Max's internal struggles and the contradictions within modern society.

Irrlicht explores themes of idealism, disillusionment, social responsibility, and the search for meaning. It questions the relevance of medieval ideals in the face of contemporary problems such as climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice. The film employs a non-linear narrative structure and stylized visuals to create a distinct and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The film was featured at several international film festivals and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to adapting a classic text and its exploration of complex social issues.