The celebrated German actress Adele Neuhauser is set to captivate audiences once again in “Makellos – Eine kurze Welle des Glücks” (Flawless – A Brief Wave of Happiness), a new comedy exploring themes of midlife desire, societal expectations, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The film, directed by Dirk Kummer and written by Uli Brée, promises a blend of humor and poignant reflection, building on the successful collaborations of the team behind “Ungeschminkt” (Unvarnished) and “Faltenfrei” (Wrinkle-Free). Neuhauser, known for her compelling portrayals of strong female characters, takes on the role of Constanze Laux, a woman who dares to challenge the status quo in search of fulfillment.
“Makellos” isn’t simply a story about a woman seeking an extramarital affair; it’s a nuanced exploration of a woman’s journey to rediscover herself within the confines of a marriage that has settled into routine. Constanze, co-owner of a traditional Bavarian costume shop with her husband Anton (played by Ulrich Noethen), finds herself feeling unseen and unappreciated. The film delves into the question of whether staying faithful to a relationship means sacrificing one’s own needs and desires, a sentiment echoed by Neuhauser herself during discussions about the project. The film is slated for release on March 11, 2026, on Das Erste, and is already available in the ARD Mediathek since February 25, 2026. BR reports that the film is too available on ORF 2 and ORF ON.
Exploring Unconventional Choices and Societal Norms
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Constanze, encouraged by a friend, considers engaging a callboy. This initial foray into exploring her desires leads her to Ricardo Westerhoff, portrayed by Manuel Rubey, a young man who unexpectedly disrupts her carefully constructed life. Neuhauser has spoken candidly about the challenges and importance of portraying these intimate scenes with sensitivity and respect. She emphasized the collaborative discussions with Kummer and Rubey to ensure the scenes were handled with nuance, avoiding gratuitousness while still conveying the emotional weight of Constanze’s journey. According to Neuhauser, the goal wasn’t to shock, but to spark a conversation about the often-unspoken needs of women as they age. “We don’t need to see more,” she stated, “we already know how it goes.”
The film’s willingness to address these themes is particularly noteworthy, as Neuhauser herself has become an advocate for greater representation of older women in media. She challenges the prevailing societal narrative that equates aging with a decline in desirability or sexual agency. “It has to be possible to scratch at habits of seeing,” Neuhauser explained, arguing that society should allow older women to acknowledge and pursue their physical needs without judgment. This sentiment is echoed in the film’s exploration of Constanze’s internal conflict – her desire for connection and intimacy versus the societal pressures and personal inhibitions that hold her back. The film’s exploration of these themes is further complicated by an unexpected twist: Constanze and her husband find themselves the victims of blackmail after compromising photos and videos surface, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to the story.
A Familiar Creative Team and a Focus on Female Agency
“Makellos” marks the third collaboration between Neuhauser, Kummer, and Brée, following the success of “Faltenfrei” and “Ungeschminkt.” This established creative synergy is evident in the film’s blend of sharp wit, emotional depth, and relatable characters. Dirk Kummer’s direction is praised for its ability to draw nuanced performances from his cast, while Uli Brée’s screenplay tackles complex themes with sensitivity and intelligence. The production is a joint effort between Bavaria Fiction, BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk), and ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk), with Anna Oeller serving as producer. According to ORF, the film premiered on ORF 2 on March 11, 2026, and was available 24 hours earlier on ORF ON.
Brée’s intention, as outlined in the film’s press materials, was to tell the story of an older woman who actively seeks fulfillment when We see denied to her, refusing to passively accept her fate. He poses the provocative question: “At some point in life, you can ask yourself: Am I cheating on myself, or am I cheating on you? If I stay true to you, am I also staying true to myself?” This central question drives Constanze’s actions and forces both her and Anton to confront uncomfortable truths about their marriage and their individual desires. The supporting cast includes Ulrich Noethen as Anton Laux, Caroline Frank as Karin Biederstädt, Jochen Busse as Richard Westerhoff, Michael A. Grimm, Lisa Kreuzer, and Thomas Hauser, each contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters and relationships.
Beyond the Affair: A Story of Rediscovery and Self-Worth
Neuhauser emphasizes that “Makellos” is more than just a story about an affair; it’s a story about a woman’s journey of self-discovery and the importance of feeling seen and valued. She believes that many viewers will identify with Constanze’s feelings of disconnect and the realization that long-term relationships can sometimes fall into a comfortable but ultimately unsatisfying routine. “Often, you don’t know why you’re unhappy,” Neuhauser explained, “since over many years…many people who are in a long-term relationship…you come to a normality in the relationship and believe you know each other in every form of life and don’t need to talk about it much anymore.”
The film also touches upon the complexities of the escort industry, with Constanze initially feeling disillusioned by the transactional nature of her encounters with Ricardo. She realizes that the connection she seeks cannot be bought, but over time, their interactions become more intimate and meaningful. Neuhauser describes the film as a “romantic tragicomedy,” highlighting the delicate balance between humor, heartbreak, and the unexpected twists and turns of life. The addition of the blackmail plot further elevates the stakes, transforming the story into a suspenseful thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Reflection of Changing Attitudes Towards Aging and Female Desire
Neuhauser’s commitment to portraying older women with complexity and agency is a driving force behind “Makellos.” She acknowledges that there is still a lack of representation for women over 40 and 60 in mainstream media, often referred to as a “desert time” for actresses. She advocates for greater openness and a willingness to challenge societal norms that dictate how older women should behave or feel. “It needs more openness,” she asserts, “and as filmmakers, we also have a duty to address these issues, to question habits of seeing and societal habits a little bit.”
The film’s exploration of these themes is particularly relevant in a society that is increasingly grappling with issues of ageism and gender equality. “Makellos” offers a refreshing and honest portrayal of a woman who refuses to be defined by her age or societal expectations, daring to pursue her own happiness and fulfillment. The film’s success will likely contribute to a broader conversation about the importance of representing diverse experiences and challenging outdated stereotypes.
The film is currently available on the ARD Mediathek until February 25, 2027, and premiered on Das Erste on March 11, 2026. Viewers in Austria can also stream the film on ORF ON. The success of “Makellos” is anticipated to further solidify Adele Neuhauser’s position as one of Germany’s most acclaimed and versatile actresses.
As audiences settle in to watch “Makellos – Eine kurze Welle des Glücks,” the conversation surrounding its themes of desire, societal expectations, and female agency is sure to continue. The film’s willingness to tackle these complex issues with humor and sensitivity promises to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. Keep an eye on the ARD Mediathek and ORF ON for updates and further information about this compelling new release.
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