
The Beginner 2018
At 58, Dr. Annebarbel Buschhaus trades her stethoscope for ice skates in *The Beginner (2018)*, a heartfelt drama from director Alexandra Sell that blends family dynamics with the unexpected thrill of rekindling a childhood passion.
Director: Alexandra Sell
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Beginner (2018) about?
*The Beginner* follows Dr. Annebarbel Buschhaus, a grumpy 58-year-old doctor who rediscovers her forgotten passion for figure skating after four decades away from the ice. Through her unlikely friendship with a teenage champion, she begins to challenge her rigid lifestyle and confront her domineering mother, ultimately finding a second chance at joy and self-expression.
Who directed The Beginner?
The film was directed by Alexandra Sell, known for her work in character-driven dramas that explore personal transformation and intergenerational relationships.
Who stars in The Beginner?
The cast includes Ulrike Krumbiegel as Annebarbel Buschhaus, Annekathrin Bürger, Maria Rogozina, Christine Errath, Rainer Bock, and Stephan Grossmann, each delivering nuanced performances that bring depth to the story.
Is The Beginner (2018) worth watching?
While it may not boast mainstream appeal, *The Beginner* offers a refreshing take on late-in-life reinvention, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of understated, emotionally resonant dramas. Its themes of self-discovery and breaking free from expectations resonate universally, even if the pacing might feel deliberate to some viewers.
How long is The Beginner?
The runtime for *The Beginner* is 99 minutes.
About The Beginner (2018) — A Late-Blooming Figure Skater's Journey of Self-Discovery
At 58, Dr. Annebarbel Buschhaus trades her stethoscope for ice skates in *The Beginner (2018)*, a heartfelt drama from director Alexandra Sell that blends family dynamics with the unexpected thrill of rekindling a childhood passion. After a four-decade hiatus from figure skating, the once-promising Annebarbel finds herself drawn back to the ice, where she not only rediscovers her love for the sport but also confronts long-buried dreams and the suffocating expectations of her domineering mother. Her journey takes a turn when she crosses paths with Jolina Kuhn, a confident 17-year-old Berlin figure skating champion, whose youthful energy helps Annebarbel break free from her rigid routine and embrace a newfound sense of freedom.
With performances as sharp as the blades on the ice, Krumbiegel and Bürger bring depth to this intergenerational story about second chances and the courage to defy expectations. The film's gentle pacing and emotional undercurrents create a nostalgic, uplifting atmosphere, making it a poignant watch for fans of character-driven dramas that explore the complexities of aging, self-discovery, and the bonds that transcend generations.