Aufguss(2024)

Aufguss is a German film that follows a group of women as they gather for an intense sauna ritual steeped in tradition and sensory extremes. The experience pushes each participant to confront their physical and emotional boundaries in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a sauna's steamy, intimate environment, the film explores themes of vulnerability, female solidarity, and personal transformation. As the women endure the heat and the ritualistic elements of the Aufguss ceremony—a practice involving water, steam, and towel-waving—tensions rise and deeper connections form. The film balances moments of humor with genuine introspection, capturing both the absurdity and the profound nature of shared physical challenge. It's a character-driven exploration of how extreme conditions can strip away pretense and reveal authentic human connection.