Karim Aïnouz’s ‘Rosebush Pruning’ Shocks and Captivates at Berlinale

Karim Aïnouz’s latest film, Rosebush Pruning, is generating buzz at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, described as a twisted family satire and a darkly comedic thriller. The film, starring Elle Fanning, Callum Turner, and Pamela Anderson, premiered in competition for the Golden Bear on February 14, 2026.

A Family in Isolation

Rosebush Pruning centers on a wealthy American family who have relocated to a luxurious villa in Spain. The family dynamic is fractured, with the mother, played by Pamela Anderson, seemingly deceased – a memorial statue even exists in her honor – when in reality, she is living secretly with a partner and continuing to draw funds from the family’s substantial wealth. The story escalates when the eldest son, Jack, expresses a desire to leave the family estate and start a new life with his girlfriend, Elle Fanning’s character, in an equally opulent setting.

Inspired by a Classic, Reimagined

The film is loosely based on Marco Bellocchio’s 1965 directorial debut, Fists in the Pocket. Aïnouz has described Bellocchio’s work as a “Brothers Grimm fairy tale on acid,” and sought to create an even more extreme version, shifting the focus from a mother to a father at the center of the narrative. The screenplay is penned by Efthimis Filippou, a frequent collaborator with director Yorgos Lanthimos. Cineuropa notes the screenplay replaces the original’s class rebelliousness with “almost absolute absurdity.”

Star-Studded Cast and Critical Reception

Alongside Fanning, Turner, and Anderson, the film features a cast including Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, and Tracy Letts. Pamela Anderson described the script as “pretty crazy, wild” and expressed her excitement at being part of such a transgressive film. She also highlighted the complexity of playing a mother and the rebellious nature of her character, noting a connection to the “shame and guilt” often carried by women across generations. IMDb lists the film’s running time as 97 minutes.

Production Details

Rosebush Pruning is a co-production between The Apartment Pictures, The Match Factory, Sur-Film, In Bloom, Mubi, Fremantle, Kavac Film, Rai Cinema, Metafilms, Anna Films, Crybaby Films, and BFI. The Match Factory is handling worldwide sales. Hélène Louvart served as the cinematographer, with editing by Heike Parplies, David Jancso, and Ilka Janka Nagy. Matthew Herbert composed the music. Wikipedia details the extensive list of production companies involved.

A Controversial Film

Early reactions to Rosebush Pruning suggest a provocative and unsettling experience. The film has been labeled as the most scandalous of this year’s Berlinale, indicating a willingness to push boundaries and explore dark themes. Variety reports Aïnouz embarked on the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking a new creative direction.