My impressions
Although I have been very impressed with the Haneke films I've seen
so far (all more recent ones), I thought that this one, his first
feature, was likely to be a rather uneven affair. My fears have been
proved unfounded, though: this is an assured and mature film.
The Haneke trade mark style is all here (simply shot scenes that seem
to end suddenly as if imcomplete; ordinary events imbued with
significance; superb handling of pacing; etc). The story follows a
wealthy German family (Father, Mother and daughter), who are seen
going about their every day lives. Then things begin to become very
dark. The finale is brilliantly disturbing.