What Have We Done to Deserve This?

What Have We Done to Deserve This? is a 2018 engaging and exhilarating film revolving around the life, adventures, and perplexities of a modern, unconventional family in Vienna, Austria. Directed by Eva Spreitzhofer and featuring an impressive list of stars such as Caroline Peters, Simon Schwarz, and Emily Cox, this edgy comedy delivers a refreshing and witty take on the life of an atheist mother forced to grapple with unexpected changes within her family.

Caroline Peters stars as Wanda, the center and the core around which the narrative mainly revolves. Wanda is a feminist, a translator, and an atheist who struggles to traverse the complexity and hilarity of post-modern family life. She's married to her generally supportive but sometimes distant husband, Josef, played by Simon Schwarz, and they have two teenage children named Nina and Linus.

Wanda's life takes an unexpected turn when her daughter, Nina (Chantal Zitzenbacher), suddenly converts to Islam, starts wearing a hijab, and insists on being referred to by her new Muslim name, Fatima. This conversion stuns Wanda, who must now grapple with her daughter's unexpected religious fervor. Seeing her punk rocker daughter suddenly embrace an entirely different and opposite lifestyle sends her into a whirlwind ride of adaptation and understanding.

Simultaneously, their son Linus (Simon Morzé), is dealing with his teenage crisis and hormones. To add to the confusion, their outlandish grandpa (Michel Vieth) decides to move in, bringing yet another dose of disorder into their moderately chaotic household.

Wanda is faced with the daunting task of trying to make peace in her home that seems to spiral out of control, replete with minor catastrophes, major culture shock, and innumerable comic misunderstandings.

Meanwhile, in the midst of these rapid changes, a chance for a feminist conference in Paris arises for Wanda. She sees this as an opportunity to escape for a while and work on her professional endeavors. But will her husband and extended family manage in her absence?

Eva Spreitzhofer uses comedy and humor to address challenging topics prevalent today, casting an insightful look into the myriad dynamics of multicultural society, clashing values, personal freedom, and familial bonds. The film dips its toes in questions of identity, tolerance, religion, and prejudice, wrapped up with elements of humor and satire. This movie takes a step back from stringent ideological corners and shows us, in quite a hilarious and heartfelt fashion, what it's like living in a multi-faceted family where each person is a unique universe of their own.

What Have We Done to Deserve This? makes no attempt to answer the grand questions of cultural identity and religious expression definitively. Instead, it holds up a mirror to them, compelling the audience to ponder over these intricacies. In every eccentric and humorous twist and turn, the audience is given a genuine reflection of what it means to live in a fast-paced world where perception and reality are constantly being redefined.

The film's aesthetics go hand-in-hand with the story, taking you through the beautiful streets and landmarks of Vienna. The color palette of the film reflects its narrative, showing the scenic beauty of the city and implying the range of emotions experienced by the characters.

The performances by the lead actors are commendable, with Caroline Peters perfectly embodying a strong, modern woman trying to hold her family and her sanity together. Chantal Zitzenbacher's performance as Nina/Fatima is as compelling and capturing, bringing an authentic portrayal of a teenager trying to find her way. Simon Schwarz's portrayal of Josef brings depth to the dynamics, while Emily Cox shines in her role.

The movie is genuinely funny and heartwarming yet doesn't shy away from critical discourse. It is a delightful blend of comedy and drama that takes you on a ride of laughter, surprises, and deep contemplation.

In conclusion, What Have We Done to Deserve This? presents an audacious yet warmth-filled view of a modern family struggling with dynamics they did not sign up for. It's the kind of film that makes one feel seen, understood, and, most importantly, entertained.