The Last Supper (2019) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A German Jewish family confronts rising Nazism, divided loyalties, and the unresolved question of whether to leave Germany.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Family's German Roots

The story recalls a 1914 appeal for German Jews to serve their country, then moves to the years when Hitler's rise dominates the news. Max and Aaron's conversations lead into a family gathering shaped by memories and political anxiety.

Key Events

• Jewish Association Urges Service — In 1914, a Jewish association urges German Jews to serve their country. Location: Germany
• Hitler Broadcast Discussed — As a broadcast predicts Hitler may become chancellor, Max asks for it to be turned off. Characters: Max Liebermann, Aaron Glickstein Location: Unspecified
• Invitation to the Gathering — Aaron is invited to a family gathering for his father's eightieth birthday. Characters: Aaron Glickstein Location: Unspecified
• Family Remembers Its Past — The family recalls a painting and cognac associated with its history. Characters: Aaron Glickstein, Max Liebermann Location: Family gathering

The Chancellor's Arrival

News that Hitler has become chancellor brings the family's political divisions into the open. Michael argues that the Nazis may restore Germany, while Sarah warns of their antisemitism and political violence.

Key Events

• Max Voices His Dread — Max admits that the political situation makes him feel sick. Characters: Max Liebermann Location: Unspecified
• Hitler Becomes Chancellor — News of Hitler's appointment sharpens the family's disagreement about Germany's future. Characters: Michael Glickstein, Sarah Glickstein Location: Family gathering
• Michael Defends the Nazis — Michael argues the Nazis could restore the country; Sarah condemns their antisemitism. Characters: Michael Glickstein, Sarah Glickstein Location: Family gathering
• Warnings of Political Violence — Sarah and relatives cite political violence and warn against trusting conservatives to restrain Hitler. Characters: Sarah Glickstein, Michael Glickstein Location: Family gathering

Leah's Uncertain Future

Leah's wish to go to Palestine meets Aaron's refusal to approve her departure. The discussion of her studies, the rabbi, and emigration reveals competing ideas about safety, faith, and belonging.

Key Events

• Leah's Palestine Plans — Leah's wish to go to Palestine is discussed, and Aaron refuses to approve her departure. Characters: Leah Glickstein, Aaron Glickstein Location: Family gathering
• Leah's Wish to Study — People around Aaron argue that Leah wants to study and that he is obstructing her. Characters: Leah Glickstein, Aaron Glickstein Location: Family gathering
• Rabbi's Worldview Debated — The rabbi is praised for learning, while Aaron's relatives question his understanding of the wider world. Characters: Rabbi Benjamin Aschkenasi, Aaron Glickstein Location: Family gathering

Loyalty Under Question

Jokes about Palestine anger Leah, and the debate over Hitler resumes. Aaron declares his loyalty to the nationalist movement, while his opponent questions how that loyalty can coexist with Nazi hostility toward Jews.

Key Events

• Emigration Divides the Family — Talk of emigration contrasts the search for safety with Aaron's attachment to Germany and fallen comrades. Characters: Aaron Glickstein, Leah Glickstein Location: Family gathering
• Jokes Anger Leah — Jokes about Palestine and religious leaders provoke Leah, who insists Israel is no laughing matter. Characters: Leah Glickstein, Aaron Glickstein, Rabbi Benjamin Aschkenasi Location: Family gathering
• Aaron Declares His Loyalty — Aaron backs Hitler's nationalist movement and says Jews must prove loyalty to Germany. Characters: Aaron Glickstein, Max Liebermann Location: Family gathering
• Contradiction Remains Unresolved — Aaron's opponent challenges Nazi hostility toward Jews and asks why Jews cannot leave for Palestine; the family divisions remain unresolved. Characters: Aaron Glickstein, Leah Glickstein, Max Liebermann Location: Family gathering

Story Breakdown

• Roots of Patriotism — The story connects a wartime call to serve Germany with later arguments over national belonging.
  • 1914 Appeal — A Jewish association urges German Jews to serve their country.
  • Fallen Comrades — Aaron's attachment to Germany is tied to comrades who died for it.
• Hitler on the Radio — Radio reports bring Hitler's expected rise into the family's conversations.
  • Max's Discomfort — Max asks for the broadcast to be turned off and admits the political situation makes him feel sick.
  • Aaron Joins — Aaron joins Max in conversation as the political situation becomes a family concern.
• Family Political Divide — The appointment of Hitler exposes sharply different beliefs about the Nazi movement and its threat to Jews.
  • Michael's Defense — Michael sees the Nazis as a possible force for restoring Germany.
  • Sarah's Warning — Sarah condemns Nazi antisemitism and warns of danger to Jews.
• Leah Seeks Palestine — Leah's desire to go to Palestine creates a personal dispute over her future.
  • Aaron Refuses — Aaron does not approve Leah's departure.
  • Study and Departure — Those around Aaron argue that Leah wants to study and that he is standing in her way.
• Emigration and Belonging — Talk of leaving Germany brings the family's competing loyalties into focus.
  • Safer Future — Some consider emigration as a path toward safety.
  • German Attachment — Aaron remains attached to Germany and to comrades who died for it.
• Final Loyalty Challenge — The gathering ends with an unresolved confrontation over Jewish loyalty, Nazi hostility, and the possibility of leaving.
  • Aaron's Declaration — Aaron supports Hitler's nationalist movement and insists that Jews must prove loyalty to Germany.
  • Unanswered Contradiction — His opponent challenges the contradiction between Aaron's position and Nazi hostility toward Jews, while Leah's future remains unresolved.

Directed by

Florian Frerichs

Key Cast

• Michael Degen — Jacob Glickstein
• Adrian Topol — Dr. Daniel Glickstein
• Bruno Eyron — Aaron Glickstein
• Patrick Mölleken — Michael Glickstein
• Jan Sosniok — Alexandre DeBurguesa