Ulrike Kriener Stars in New Road Movie Nichts wie weg
The renowned German actress discusses her career, her long marriage, and her latest television project.
Renowned German actress Ulrike Kriener returns to television screens in the upcoming tragicomedy and road movie "Nichts wie weg." In the film, Kriener portrays Luise Dobertin, a progressive dementia patient who wants to end her life, embarking on an unexpected and touching journey alongside a nurse on the run.
The plot follows nurse Anke, played by Tamara Romera Ginés, who is falsely accused of causing a patient's death with an improperly adjusted infusion. While fleeing from the police, Anke inadvertently kidnaps the amiable Luise. Luise offers her help in exchange for a favor: she wants Anke to drive her in her old car to Switzerland for assisted dying, despite having a family.
Uncomprehending of Luise's wish to end her life, Anke decides to alter the route. Instead of heading to Switzerland, she drives Luise to Kiel to visit her daughter Hanna and her family. What begins as a tense escape transforms into a unique road trip where the two very different women encounter friendly people, a runaway donkey named Rosi, and surprisingly welcoming relatives.
Throughout the journey, the duo must contend with pursuit from the relentless police officer Fenchel, portrayed by Anton von Lucke, and his humorless boss Ina Schnittke, played by Idil Üner. Ultimately, the travelers are forced to confront their own fears as well as the authorities hot on their trail.
Away from the screen, Kriener has adjusted to a new daily routine following the conclusion of her iconic role as Chief Inspector Ellen Lucas in the ZDF crime series "Kommissarin Lucas," which spanned two decades and 35 films before its final broadcast in October 2023. Embracing her extra free time, the actress shared that her ideal morning involves reading, light exercise, and taking things at her own pace.
Kriener also continues to enjoy a stable personal life, having been happily married to actor and director Georg Weber for over 30 years. The couple met in 1992 at a theater premiere afterparty and, as Kriener noted in past interviews, simply never stopped talking. Attributes such as tolerance, serenity, humor, and staying connected have been key to their enduring relationship.
Recently downsizing after moving within Munich to trade a demanding house for a more manageable home, the couple also spends extended periods traveling, including relaxing stays on Lanzarote to cook, meet friends, and enjoy gardening. Despite being over 70 years old, Kriener harbors no plans for complete retirement, expressing a desire to continue working on engaging topics while balancing travel and leisure.