Set beside a picturesque lake and dripping with slow, serene shots, Frauensee packs an idyllic punch of lesbian drama. The German feature, which was the opening night women’s film for the Auckland leg of Out Takes, Frauensee brings two lesbian couples together, one younger and one older. Rather than being narrative-driven, it’s character driven, with the protagonist, Nele Rosetz as Rosa, a memorable guardian of the lake and tough fisherwoman who simply wants to be a ‘normal couple’ with her ever-busy and emotionally shut off girlfriend Kirsten (Therese Hämer). When a pair of students, also a couple, arrive and end up staying at Kirsten’s lakeside retreat, there is plenty of sexual attraction. Each relationship has cracks, and these begin to extend as the confrontation of another couple brings things to a head. The film is steamy, sexy, slow-burning and exquisitely shot, and while often slow-paced, it’s not dull, but draws you in to sit back and enjoy the boat rides across the lake. There are no easy answers handed to the viewer on a plate here, which makes this film all the more reflective of the relationships it explores. A beautiful first offering for Out Takes 2013. Showing again in Auckland, Rialto: 24 May, 12.30PM Wellington, Paramount: 2 June7PM (Lesbian Gala night) and 6 June 8.40PM Jacqui Stanford - 24th May 2013