I have said this many times and I will repeat it again; Diane Kruger perhaps is one of the most underrated actors living in our time, but one of the most talented and gifted person I’ve seen on the silver screen. Thanks to Fatih Akin’s IN THE FADE that opened up and showcased Kruger’s ability as the dramatic actress whose exquisite and absolutely mind-blowing performance will make you wonder what else she needs to do in order to be accepted into the elite league of actors where she belongs.

Katja drops her son at her husband, Nuri’s office. She kisses both of them gently hoping to see them again the same night. But what she gets instead is blown up pieces of her loved ones due to the “nail bomb” attack, appears to be specifically targeted at Nuri’s office. Trying to cope with the loss, the woman finds its way too challenging when police comes to her apartment with search warrants when they try to determine her husband’s previous connection with the criminal world. But the woman is certain – her husband has nothing to do with being killed, and she has her own idea who that people can be… But when it comes to standing in front of the court – it’s her words against social injustice, where everything she says will be used against her and to incriminate the evidence.

There are a few things you will have to keep in mind before you start watching IN THE FADE: Katja is someone who is capable of taking responsive actions. She is way tougher than you can imagine. Through the flashbacks we see how strong she is. Her body is covered by tattooes and even bleeds in the process of making one. But she still handles that pain. However, not strong enough, understandably though to handle the loss of her loved ones. But if you watch the film carefully without missing little details such as: the court room scene where she watched on the screen a certain time of bomb being made with detailed steps; or the same flashback scene showing her ability to fix the game console or rebuild a broken one to make her son Rocco happy.

If you just notice all these scenes that are simply brilliant, you can draw your own conclusion before the film ends. You will know what will happen not because of the predictability of the storyline – but due to its brilliance and ability to grab the viewers attention completely. But before it happens, you will have to be able to control your emotions and keep a cool mind throughout, which is based on what was offered by Fatih Akin – it won’t be so easy. But It will also be unbearably painful to watch Katja, what she will do and how she will do in the name of her murdered son and husband. To conclude that – IN THE FADE would not be so powerful and impactful if not for impeccable writing and flawless and confident performance delivered by the outstanding Diane Kruger.