Cocoon

Nora, a shy 14-year-old Berlin girl, will never forget this way-too-hot summer. Surrounded by people with disrupted biographies, from different cultures and backgrounds, she makes her way into adulthood. Nora gets her first period, falls in love with another girl, learns to stand up for herself and gets her heart broken for the first time. When summer ends, things will never be the same again for her.

"Krippendorff's feature debut feels fresh and authentic, both in terms of the performances, and in the film's restless sense of place, the culturally mixed Kreuzberg neighbourhood of Kottbusser Tor." ~ Wendy Ide, Screen Daily

"An authentic, queer coming-of-age story takes place in the summer streets of Berlin in the award-winning, Cocoon: writer and director Leonie Krippendorff’s second full-length feature. Following a young 14-year-old girl’s metamorphosis as she experiences quintessential Berlin teen life, the film is a tender comment on sexuality, womanhood and growing up in general. The drama, with its strong performances and artistic shots, creates a warm yet slow-burn viewing experience and positions itself as a strong love letter to both the city and its new generation." ~ Emma-Jane Betts, The Upcoming

"The acting in Leonie Krippendorff’s tale of sexual awakening is outstanding, as a girl comes out during a hot Berlin summer." ~ Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

"Krippendorff's film emerges as its own uniquely tender thing: a depiction of sexual awakening that beautifully captures the moment when adolescence tips into adulthood." ~ Josh Winning, Radio Times

"Leonie Krippendorff's engaging coming-of-age drama is one of the best teen dramas of the year." ~ Matthew Turner, VODzilla

"Leonie Krippendorf’s queer teen romance is a sun-kissed story of growth and metamorphosis." ~ Ariel Klinghoffer, Little White Lies

"Writer-director Leonie Krippendorff’s second feature offers a warm and authentic look at that awkward middle ground between adolescence and adulthood, as bodies mature and minds fight through a jungle of uncertain thoughts and emotions." ~ Steven Sheehan, The Digital Fix

"A perfectly pitched teenage drama that dodges adolescent film clichés with delicacy and sensitivity. You’ll remember the firsts in your life, smile, and be thankful for hindsight." ~ The Tempo House

"Edgy, slick but wide-eyed, this is a whimsical romance played against the salacious calamity of teenagehood." ~ Ben Turner, The Pink Lens