Unser Kind, directed by Samuel Flückiger, offers a harrowing and deeply poignant exploration of a subject seldom addressed on screen—infertility and the challenges faced by couples pursuing surrogacy in countries where the practice is permitted. Flückiger’s latest short film follows a Swiss couple, driven by the dream of parenthood, as they navigate an emotional and legal labyrinth in the pursuit of surrogacy abroad. Through stunning cinematography and powerful, understated performances, Unser Kind examines both the resilience and vulnerability of those entangled in the pursuit of family amid moral, medical, and legal dilemmas.

The plot revolves around the couple’s journey to the Republic of Georgia, where they find a surrogate willing to help them realize their dream of having a child. But their joy is short-lived as complications with the pregnancy present them with a heart-wrenching decision. In depicting their response to this tragedy, Unser Kind reveals the psychological and emotional toll of infertility, amplified by societal taboos and legal restrictions in their home country, Switzerland. This narrative invites empathy and understanding, aiming to break down the stigmas that surround infertility.

The screenplay, co-written by Flückiger, captures the delicate emotional landscape of its characters, evoking universal themes of hope, loss, and resilience. The intimate, often quiet dialogues reveal the raw inner lives of individuals who feel isolated by their circumstances, but who long for understanding and support. Flückiger’s direction is thoughtful and restrained, allowing the story to unfold in a manner that feels both tender and unrelentingly honest.

Gabriela Betschart’s cinematography plays a vital role in immersing viewers in the couple’s world, capturing their moments of silent anguish and fleeting hope against the vast and sometimes impersonal landscapes that represent the external world they navigate. Her work emphasizes the isolation of the characters, reinforcing the emotional weight of their journey in a visual language that is as poetic as it is heartbreaking.

Unser Kind does not shy away from the ethical questions surrounding surrogacy and infertility. In a timely reflection of Europe’s increasingly restrictive surrogacy policies, the film subtly addresses the political implications of these laws, particularly resonant given recent developments in countries like Italy. This added dimension offers viewers a glimpse into the broader societal forces that shape personal choices and limit the options available to those affected by infertility.

At its core, Unser Kind is a testament to the struggles and sacrifices many endure on the path to parenthood, shedding light on a rarely depicted aspect of the human experience. The film not only succeeds in opening a dialogue on infertility but does so with an emotional honesty that is both courageous and compassionate. With its Oscar qualification and a ‘Best of Fest’ win at LA Shorts, Unser Kind is not only timely but essential viewing for anyone touched by the challenges of family-building in today’s world.

In a culture often silent on the topic of infertility, Unser Kind is a welcome and significant step toward empathy and understanding.