Die Notlüge (2017)

Hubert and Helga have two daughters together. They are separated and each has a new partner. Helga is expecting a child with her new boyfriend, Wolfi, who already has a son. Everyday life works reasonably well for the blended family, even if they do not always get along. The family gathers at Hubert’s parents’ home in Graz to celebrate his mother Marianne’s birthday. Hubert’s new girlfriend, Patricia, and Helga’s new boyfriend, Wolfi, are also supposed to be introduced on this occasion. However, his elderly mother, who has a heart condition, knows nothing about the changes in Hubert’s private life. To spare her, Hubert would rather stay silent than tell her what has changed, and starts pretending that they are still a happy family. Thus begins a comedy in which everyone plays along for different reasons, until they are all exhausted, drunk, hurt or desperate, and no longer quite sure who they are with or why. Hubert eventually does tell his mother the truth. She takes it calmly and says she doesn’t care who is with whom, as long as they are happy.