Sandra Huller, Maren Ade: Toni Erdmann

It is doubtful there will be a more powerful, mesmerizing or amusing performance this year than the one given by Germany’s Sandra Huller in writer-director Maren Ade’s critically praised, unclassifiable Toni Erdmann. A sensation when it debuted at Cannes (and rightly so!), the 162 minute comedy/drama is essentially a father-daughter story. Subtitles sits down with Huller, Ade, and Peter Simonischek who, as the father, adopts an alternate identity with the ridiculous guise of goofy removable teeth, a bizarre wig and, yes, a gorilla outfit, who calls himself Toni Erdmann.