Yella

Yella

Year: 2007

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: German

Director: Christian Petzold

DramaHorrorThrillerHumanity and the world around usSurreal and thought-provoking visions of life and death

A young East German woman leaves her husband and business partner and relocates to a West German city to start anew as an accountant, but he soon catches up with her.

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Timeline & Setting – Yella (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Yella (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting with modern workplaces and transportation shaping the narrative. The dynamic between separation, mobility, and economic activity reflects post-separation urban life and the precarious pursuit of autonomy.

Location

Wittenberge, Hanover

The story starts in Wittenberge, a small German town that grounds Yella’s life and its limitations. The plot then moves toward Hanover, marking a shift to a larger urban environment focused on business and finance. Key locations include the train station, office spaces, and a riverside setting that frames the film’s dramatic turning points.

🏙️ Small-town setting 🚆 Train access 🌉 River and bridge

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:39

Main Characters – Yella (2007)

Meet the key characters of Yella (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Yella Fichte — Nina Hoss

A determined woman who plans to start anew in Hanover after leaving her husband. She is capable and pragmatic, yet increasingly drawn into Philipp’s schemes. Her journey probes how far a person will go to secure independence while negotiating vulnerability and survival.

💔 Abusive relationship 🧭 Survival 💼 Ambition

Philipp — Devid Striesow

A charismatic but unscrupulous businessman who lures Yella into a web of fraud. He believes his schemes are clever and justified, using charm to mask manipulation. His pursuit of power ultimately exposes the moral costs of greed.

💼 Manipulative 🤑 Money-focused 🎭 Charismatic

Ben — Hinnerk Schönemann

Yella’s abusive husband who seeks to exert control over her. His aggression and attempts to reclaim the relationship push Yella toward escape and new loyalties. His presence acts as a catalyst for the film’s moral tension and tragedy.

💔 Abusive partner ⚖️ Control 🚗 Violence

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:39

Major Themes – Yella (2007)

Explore the central themes of Yella (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Power & Manipulation

Money and influence drive the plot as Philipp entangles Yella in unethical schemes. Yella’s competence clashes with a coercive system that prizes profit over people. The film examines how ambition can corrupt relationships and push individuals toward morally gray choices.

🌊 Consequences

Actions reverberate beyond immediate gains, culminating in danger and tragedy. The characters confront guilt and accountability, even when escape seems possible. The ending reinforces that choices can have irreversible, far-reaching outcomes.

💔 Abuse & Dependency

Yella endures an abusive marriage that pushes her toward risky alliances. The dynamic reveals how fear and control shape decisions and limit autonomy. The film explores resilience within hostile relationships and the longing for freedom.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:39

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Yella Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Yella, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Yella Summary

Yella Timeline

Track the full timeline of Yella with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Yella Timeline

Yella Spoiler-Free Summary

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Yella Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Yella

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