Yella: Christian Petzold’s film is a bit hard to categorize, as it tells the story of a woman trying to get the reigns of her life back, escaping an abusive husband, a small town with no prospects, and people who undervalue her. The story moves in unexpected ways, but what truly matters is how the character reacts to what happens to and around her. There is a certain coldness to her that permeates the whole film, however. It is a beautiful performance by Nina Hoss, who creates a woman of intelligence who is also the fruit of continued pain; Hinnerk Schönemann, as her baby-faced abusive husband, is fine, as is Devid Striesow as her eventual new employer, a man of secrets and dubious morals. Generally well-put-together, and the story moves at a nice pace.