Martin, who resents Andrea and calls her a "fish swimming upside down" due to her habit of moving on her stomach, eventually enters into a secret sexual relationship with her while his father is away. Letterboxd Key Details & Cast
: The title refers to Martin's nickname for Andrea, inspired by her habit of moving around on her stomach, and serves as a metaphor for the characters' sense of being "trapped" like fish in an aquarium. Martin, who resents Andrea and calls her a
The film is an emotionally intense and stylized drama that explores the dynamics of a taboo relationship, centered on a provocative and unconventional love triangle. Movie Overview & Production Details Ein Fisch, der
Despite the challenges in finding an Arabic-subtitled version, A Fish Swimming Upside Down is well worth the effort for fans of slow-burn psychological dramas. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the void within is both haunting and beautiful. The film resists melodrama
For viewers looking to find information regarding streaming, translation options (such as dual-audio or video subtitles like "mtrjm fydyw dwshh"), and a breakdown of the plot, this overview details the film's artistic execution and themes. Movie Overview & Production Details Ein Fisch, der auf dem Rücken schwimmt English Title: A Fish Swimming Upside Down Director & Screenwriter: Eliza Petkova Release Date: February 22, 2020 (Berlinale) Genre: Psychological Drama Running Time: 103 minutes Language: German Core Plot & Character Dynamics
The plot follows Pearl (played with aching sincerity by Knipe herself), a young woman in her twenties who retreats to a remote New Zealand beach town following the suicide of her famous father, a television personality. Rather than processing her grief directly, Pearl avoids it—she numbs herself with casual sex, aimless wandering, and the company of strangers. She becomes the “fish swimming upside down”: alive but not upright, moving but not forward. The film resists melodrama; instead, it captures grief as a series of small, undramatic moments: a blank stare at the ceiling, an unfinished conversation, a sudden urge to flee.