Zimmer mit Tante (2010)

To avoid juvenile detention for repeated shoplifting, seventeen-year-old Marie-Luise, nicknamed Malu, has to complete community service at a retirement home and move in with her aunt Johanna, who lives in a lakeside guesthouse that is currently vacant. The rebellious teenager is initially unenthusiastic about country life, but over time the two women find a way to get along through rules and communication, as well as the support of Johanna’s lodger Franz, a retired German studies professor. Johanna met Franz while she was receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital. At the retirement home, and through living with Johanna and Franz, Malu learns to take responsibility. Johanna, who has been withdrawn for years, tries to take part in life again, and Malu even manages to persuade her to reopen the guesthouse to visitors. Malu, who had previously quit hotel training, comes alive there: she turns her hand to everything, working as a chambermaid and at reception. Johanna, however, has to learn to work on her brusque manner, since it does not help with the guest business. When Malu’s boyfriend Bill returns from America, Malu quits her job after an argument with Johanna. She goes to the city with her boyfriend and stops going to the retirement home. Since this means she has failed to meet the court’s requirements, Malu has to appear before the juvenile judge again. Johanna speaks up at the hearing, takes responsibility for what happened, and stands up for Malu, saying that she has been doing well with her. The judge waives punishment one last time, allowing Malu to work at Johanna’s guesthouse again.