The Unfish Poster

The Unfish 1997

★ 4.68 votes98 min📅 1997-09-20

In the quirky Austrian comedy *The Unfish (1997)*, directed by Robert Dornhelm, Sophie inherits a bizarre family heirloom: a perfectly preserved whale.

Director: Robert Dornhelm

Cast

Maria Schrader
Maria Schrader
Sophie Moor
Eva Herzig
Eva Herzig
Maria Johler
Georges Kern
Herr Landauer
August Schmölzer
August Schmölzer
Bürgermeister
Karl Merkatz
Karl Merkatz
Herr Johler
Bibiana Zeller
Bibiana Zeller
Frau Johler
Rudolf Wessely
Rudolf Wessely
Pfarrer
Manuel Löffler
Wenzel
Erwin Leder
Erwin Leder
Gendarm Hermann
Hannes Fretzer
Gendarm Anton (als Johannes Fretzer)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Unfish (1997) about?

*The Unfish (1997)* follows Sophie, who inherits a preserved whale that grants a single wish to anyone who sleeps inside its belly. The seemingly magical offer quickly ignites greed and resentment in her village, turning a lighthearted premise into a sharp comedy about human nature.

Who directed The Unfish?

Robert Dornhelm directed *The Unfish* (1997), bringing his signature blend of humor and social satire to this Austrian comedy.

Who stars in The Unfish?

The film stars Maria Schrader, Eva Herzig, Georges Kern, August Schmölzer, and Karl Merkatz in key roles.

Is The Unfish (1997) worth watching?

For fans of offbeat comedies with a satirical bite, *The Unfish* (1997) is a charming oddity. While not widely known, its unique premise and sharp humor make it a hidden gem worth seeking out.

How long is The Unfish?

The Unfish (1997) has a runtime of 98 minutes.

About The Unfish (1997) — Where One Wish Inside a Whale Turns a Quiet Village Upside Down

In the quirky Austrian comedy *The Unfish (1997)*, directed by Robert Dornhelm, Sophie inherits a bizarre family heirloom: a perfectly preserved whale. But this isn't just any whale—sleeping inside its belly grants the sleeper a single wish, sparking a wave of chaos and envy in the sleepy village. As Sophie grapples with the absurdity of her newfound power, the film blends whimsical humor with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of greed, desire, and the absurdity of human nature. Dornhelm's direction lends a playful yet biting tone, while the ensemble cast brings the story to life with vibrant energy.

The Unfish (1997) unfolds like a dark fairy tale, where a simple wish spirals into village-wide conflict, testing relationships and morals. With its offbeat premise and satirical edge, the film stands out as a cult favorite, offering a blend of slapstick comedy and thought-provoking themes. Maria Schrader and Eva Herzig shine as central characters caught in the whale's surreal spell, making this a hidden gem for fans of off-kilter Austrian cinema.