Es ist nur eine Phase, Hase (2021)

Paul and Emilia Mann, both in their late forties, have three children and appear to be a happily married couple. Paul is a writer, and Emilia is an actress and voice-over artist. The peak of both their careers is long behind them. More and more supposed physical shortcomings begin to creep in, and their relationship is trapped in a routine. Emilia has a one-night stand with Ruben, a younger man, and confesses to her husband. They then decide that taking a break from their relationship would do them good. At first, Emilia enjoys her freedom. Paul moves into a small apartment, but sinks into loneliness and turns to antidepressants. At the 50th birthday party of a mutual friend, Paul finally lets loose. He rails against getting old and loudly holds up a mirror to the party guests. He demands a divorce from Emilia. Though they are unsure whether it is the right step, they go through with it. But afterward, both are even more dissatisfied and unhappy. Paul begins an affair with Ms. Schneiderhahn, his daughter’s much younger teacher, but ends it. Emilia also breaks off contact with Ruben when she realizes he wants more. A widely discussed Facebook post that strikes a nerve with people of his generation gets Paul’s writing career back on track. He writes a book titled “It’s Just a Phase, Hase” about exactly the problems currently preoccupying him. Finally, on Sandra Maischberger’s talk show, he publicly declares his love for Emilia.