UCM.ONE will release the thriller “Darlings” (English title: “Darlings”) in selected German cinemas on January 15, 2026. The film by writer-director duo Lea de Boor and Steffen Maurer sensitively explores the destructive effect of patriarchal behavior in relationships. The film, which has only been shown sporadically in a preview version at festivals, is now finding its way into German arthouse cinemas through UCM.ONE’s global distribution on the Darling Berlin label.
The film is based on a 20-page script and was developed in an intensive rehearsal process with the actors before and during filming—this approach gave the directors the opportunity to reveal the inner worlds of the protagonists in a palpably authentic and unadulterated way.
Although conceived as a genre film, “Darlings” sees itself in the tradition of Berlin Mumblecore and thus continues this special series of films curated by UCM.ONE under the distribution label Darling Berlin.
The theatrical premiere of “Darlings” will take place on January 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the ACUD KINO in Berlin, attended by the film crew, followed by a discussion about the film. Advance tickets are available here: ACUD-Kino (external link).
Preview dates:
BREMEN – 09.01.26 20:00 – CITY 46 Kino, Q&A with the filmmakers
HAMBURG – 10.01.26 19:00 – 3001 Kino, Q&A with the filmmakers
DRESDEN – 11.01.26 18:30 – Thalia Kino, Q&A with the filmmakers
BERLIN – 14.01.26 19:00 – b-ware! Ladenkino, Q&A with the filmmakers
In selected Cinemas (from January 15, 2026):
HAMBURG – 3001 Kino
DRESDEN – Thalia Kino
BERLIN – ACUD Kino
BERLIN – Lichtblick Kino
BERLIN – b-ware! Ladenkino
DÜSSELDORF – Bambi Kino
Synopsis
Lena, a young elementary school teacher from Berlin, accompanies her partner Ole to his home village. What begins as a relaxing break in a winter wonderland soon turns into a nightmare. Surrounded by his old clique, Ole changes and reveals disturbing behavior patterns. A violent dynamic develops that not only destabilizes their relationship, but also becomes increasingly dangerous for Lena.
About the writing and directing duo Lea de Boor and Steffen Maurer
Lea de Boor studied social sciences in Berlin and then worked at Frauen aufs Podium e.V. as a program officer. She currently coordinates project funding and institutional grants at Finanzwende e.V. Lea worked on Darlings as a writer, producer, and director while she was still a student. After graduating, Lea continued to work as a writer and director. Of particular note is her work as director of the short film/series pilot “38irgendwas” (38something).
Steffen Maurer works as a director and cinematographer. Since 2014, he has been part of the video collective leftvision, producing documentary works on social and political topics. His cinematic approach combines precise observation with a distinct closeness to the protagonists. Most recently, he and Marco Heinig were responsible for the documentary film “ANTIFA – Schulter an Schulter, wo der Staat versagte” (2024).
“Darlings” is the feature film debut of Lea de Boor and Steffen Maurer.
Film Details
| Title: | Darlings (Original title: “Darlings”, English title: “Darlings”) |
| Directed by: | Steffen Maurer ans Lea de Boor |
| Screenplay: | Lea de Boor and Steffen Maurer |
| Produced by: | Steffen Maurer, Lea de Boor, Robert Zimmermann, Jessica Rudolph (Co-Producer) |
| Cast: | Thea Rasche, Paul Boche, Tom Böttcher, Ina-Lene Dinse, Felix Maria Zeppenfeld, Malte Thomsen, Matthias Gärtner |
| Countries of production: | Germany |
| Year of production: | 2024 |
| Duration: | 77 Min. |
| Language versions: | German original version |
| Original languages: | German |
| Subtitles: | Englisch |
| Rating | PG (German Rating – FSK12) |
Further information about the film Darlings.
