Otto; or, Up with Dead People 2008

As Otto, a young gay man grappling with the delusions of living an undead life, meanders through the lively streets of Berlin, he unwittingly gathers an unexpected group of followers. Notable filmmaker Medea Yarn and her partner Hella Bent quickly recognize his unconventional behavior and opt to document his journey for their underground film, Up with Dead People—a provocative blend of politics, eroticism, and the themes of the undead. With the endorsement of Fritz Fritze, the movie’s main star, Otto takes temporary shelter in Fritz’s guest room, where he stumbles upon a wallet that reveals fragments of his former life. This revelation ignites a heartfelt quest to reunite with Rudolf, an ex-boyfriend who harbors secrets about Otto’s life before embracing his zombie persona.

Their poignant reunion occurs at the very schoolyard where their romance first blossomed, exposing a harsh reality: Otto is undeniably human, yet he battles the intricate challenges of schizophrenia. As Medea tirelessly labor over the film’s completion, which features an audacious and controversial climax, Otto falls victim to an act of queerbashing. In search of comfort, he retreats to Fritz’s apartment, where a profound bond begins to develop between the two men.

Meanwhile, Medea reaches a resolution for her project by incinerating her interpretation of Otto, leaving him as nothing but remnants of ash. Yet, as the cameras cease to roll, Otto makes a pivotal choice—he decides to leave Berlin behind, embarking on a new journey as a hitchhiker, ready to escape the tumult and disorder that once characterized his life.