Stadt, Land, Fluss (2011)

City, Country, River begins with Marko’s daily routine. He is training to become a farmer at the Der Märker agricultural cooperative in Jänickendorf: scenes show vocational classes, work reports, a meeting with his training supervisor, Ms. Butsch, practical training in the barn, meals with his coworkers, and bringing in the harvest. After work, he prefers to go home rather than hang out with the other trainees, have a beer, or do something together. Marko doesn’t drink alcohol, is taciturn, and prefers to keep to himself. He has lived alone since he was 17, separated from his alcoholic mother. His final exam to qualify as a farmer is coming up, and he is unsure whether he wants the cooperative to hire him afterward. He ends his day by masturbating at the bathroom sink. The next day, Jacob arrives at the farm for an internship. He dropped out of his training as a bank clerk and now wants to try his hand in a world that is unfamiliar to him. Ms. Butsch gives Jacob his first introduction to the barn, while Marko watches him with growing interest and briefly speaks to him. Later, when Jacob can’t turn off a water pump, Marko, who happens to be there, helps him. That afternoon, Marko arranges to spend his free time with Jacob after Jacob’s introduction to working in the fields. The next day, they go swimming together again. Jacob gradually settles into country life and feels a growing affection for Marko. Their increasingly close encounters during the workday visibly unsettle Marko in particular, as he swings between desire and pulling away. During a break together in an old Lada, Jacob takes the initiative and kisses him. Afterward, Marko withdraws and shuts Jacob out. He struggles with his powerful, unfamiliar, conflicted feelings. Marko is absent the next day, and when Jacob can’t reach him by phone, he drives an old, parked car in which Marko often takes his breaks to Marko’s home and waits for him there. In the evening, Marko returns from his final exam and spontaneously agrees to Jacob’s suggestion that they go away together. They drive to Berlin, 60 kilometers away, roam the nightlife, and enjoy being together. Back in the car, they kiss and give in to their desire for each other. The following evening, they are back from their spontaneous trip. The next day, they meet at the cooperative’s farm, walk toward each other, and embrace in public.