“I Wanted to Know if I Could Pull It Off”: Sandra Hüller on Playing a Woman Playing a Man in ‘Rose’
Hollywood Reporter
by Scott RoxboroughFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Acclaimed German actress Sandra Hüller, known for her role in *Anatomy of a Fall* and earning an Oscar nomination, returns to arthouse cinema with Markus Schleinzer’s period drama *Rose*. The film, set after the devastating Thirty Years’ War, follows Hüller as Rose—a woman living as a man to claim a abandoned farm and avoid discovery. Her performance captures the tension of her dual identity, blending silence and fear amidst a deeply religious village.
Hüller found the role challenging yet compelling, especially the physical transformation required to embody a male disguise. Costume designer Doris Bartelt’s precise outfits, including body padding and a prosthetic, created a “ritual” for Hüller each morning. She also focused on internalizing Rose’s constant fear of exposure, adding psychological depth to her portrayal. Unlike stage roles like Hamlet, this film demanded a more grounded realism.
*Rose*, inspired by true historical cases, offers insight into themes of identity and survival, resonating with contemporary audiences. Hüller’s commitment to the role highlights her versatility as an actress, balancing arthouse projects with high-profile Hollywood ventures. The film’s exploration of disguise and deception adds layers of intrigue, positioning it as a standout in Schleinzer’s body of work.
For fans of historical cinema and nuanced performances, *Rose* promises a gripping narrative driven by Hüller’s masterful acting. Her
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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026