‘Lust’ Is a Coming-of-Mid-Age Psychodrama About Unsettled Control (Exclusive Berlin Trailer)

Hollywood Reporter

by Georg Szalai

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Lust, a compelling psychodrama premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, delves into themes of control, intimacy, and unresolved grief through its protagonist Lilian, a parole officer grappling with her father’s death. Directed by Ralitza Petrova, known for her debut feature *Godless*, which won the Golden Leopard at Locarno, *Lust* explores how Lilian’s structured life unravels upon returning to her hometown, confronting emotional and bureaucratic obstacles. The film weaves a narrative of tenderness and austerity, examining the impact of absent fathers and the burden carried by their daughters. Petrova draws inspiration from her own experience of losing her father, crafting *Lust* as a coming-of-mid-age exploration of absence and its lingering effects. The story follows Lilian’s journey through grief, institutional inertia, and an unraveling sense of control, set against a backdrop of abandoned spaces and bureaucratic limbo. Her unexpected connection with a Shibari rigger introduces a dynamic of controlled vulnerability, where intimacy is negotiated rather than assumed. Produced by Aporia Filmworks in collaboration with international partners, *Lust* represents a unique artistic vision, blending mystery, fantasy, and ghostly undertones to trace the unsettled emotions of loss. The film’s restrained yet intense emotional landscape, captured in an exclusive trailer, promises to resonate with audiences seeking profound, character-driven stories. As a thought-provoking exploration of grief and control, *Lust* stands out as a significant entry in the Berlinale’s Forum program, offering a fresh perspective on human vulnerability and resilience.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026