The Four of Us 2021

The Four of Us is an engaging relationship drama that centers around two couples: the ambitious young journalist Janina Elkin (known as Nina) and her husband Louis Nitsche, who is a struggling actor. Alongside them are Janina’s best friend Paula Kalenberg as Maria and her boyfriend Jonas Nay, who works as an estate agent. Four weeks prior, these four made a bold decision to engage in a partner exchange, where Janina lived with Nils, and Maria spent time with Ben, all under the premise that there would be no intimacy involved. The purpose of this arrangement was to gain deeper insights into their individual needs within their relationships.

As the story unfolds, the four gather at a charming holiday house on the North Sea to share their experiences and reflect on their journey. However, it quickly becomes evident that they’ve all broken the no-sex agreement. Complications arise when Ben and Maria develop feelings for each other, while Janina discovers she is pregnant with Jonas Nay’s child. Over a span of two intense days, the group struggles to navigate their shifting emotions and the emerging truths, revealing how profoundly their perceptions and expectations of love have evolved.

Set primarily within the confines of the house and the adjacent beach, the film thoughtfully explores the dynamics among the four characters. Secondary figures make fleeting appearances in the introductory and concluding city scenes, showcasing the protagonists’ daily lives. These include Janina’s co-worker Tim Oliver Schultz as Anton, and her superior Ann-Kathrin, alongside Nils’ clients, the Bolschakow family, as well as various other individuals who briefly intersect with the couples’ narratives. Through stirring interactions and revelations, the film delves deeply into the complexities of love and commitment.