Synopsis
Wherever 9-year-old Benni ends up, she is expelled. She has become what child protection services call a “system crasher.” But she is not looking to change her ways, and has one goal: go back home to her mother. When anger management trainer Micha is hired to help, suddenly there is hope.
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Cast
- Helena ZengelBenni
- Albrecht SchuchMichael Heller
- Gabriela Maria SchmeideFrau Bafané
- Lisa HagmeisterMutter
- Maryam ZareeElli Heller
- Melanie StraubDr. Schönemann
- Matthias BrennerErzieher Wolfgang
- Tedros TeclebrhanErzieher Robert
- Gisa FlakeLehrerin
- Axel WernerBauer Bockelmann
- 100
The Observer (UK)
Most essential is the central performance: Zengel’s oscillating wild joys and storming furies are painful to watch. A moment when she howls for her mother (always tantalisingly out of reach) brought me to tears. - 100
The Irish Times
This is a wildly impressive first narrative feature, powered along by a strong cast, great chemistry, virtuoso flourishes, and fierce energy. - 80
CineVue
System Crasher is the outstanding feature film debut of German director Nora Fingscheidt. A tremendous slice of life filled with light and energy, which doesn’t shy away from the tough realities of what social care is like for children with severe developmental issues. - 80
The Guardian
A grisly, gripping watch. - 80
Time Out
System Crasher may veer towards being over-sympathetic in its approach to its violently problematic protagonist – Benni is a wrecking ball at times – but it delivers a powerful exposé of the limitations of the foster system. And with its impressive young star to the fore, it is heartbreakingly intimate. - 75
Movie Nation
Zengel is a balled-up fist of energy in the title role, getting across the sweetness that can convince those who take pity on Benni that “she’s making progress,” but unleashing hell in a flash to remind them she isn’t.