Quick Take: Kat Rohrer’s What a Feeling is a vibrant, heartwarming Austrian romantic comedy that brings a joyful, fresh perspective to mid-life romance, self-discovery, and unexpected love in Vienna.
📌 Plot Overview
Marie Therese, a successful and structured Viennese high-society doctor, seems to have her life entirely figured out—until her 20th wedding anniversary when her husband unexpectedly leaves her. Devastated and lost, she wanders into a local bar to drown her sorrows.
There she meets Fa, a warm, free-spirited, and fiercely independent Iranian-Austrian carpenter who lives life on her own terms. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and Marie Therese's initial hesitation, an instant spark ignites between them. As they navigate cultural differences, family expectations, and the daunting prospect of starting over, both women are forced to rethink what true happiness looks like in their middle age.
💡 Why It’s Worth Watching
Joyful Mid-Life Queer Representation: Romantic comedies often focus on young adult coming-of-age stories; What a Feeling stands out by celebrating second chances, desire, and reinvention for women in their 40s and 50s.
Unbeatable Lead Chemistry: The screen presence between award-winning German actress Caroline Peters (Marie Therese) and Proschat Madani (Fa) is magnetic, filled with sharp wit, warmth, and genuine affection.
A Vibrant Austrian Setting: Director Kat Rohrer showcases a modern, multi-cultural Vienna—moving away from traditional clichés to highlight a rich tapestry of queer life and community.
🏷️ Interactive Tags & Motifs
Genre: Romantic Comedy / LGBTQ+ Drama / Feel-Good / Austrian Cinema
Representation & Themes: Lesbian Romance, Mid-Life Reinvention, Cultural Differences, Opposite-Attract Dynamics, Self-Discovery
Mood & Tone: Charming, Upbeat, Heartwarming, Witty, Hopeful
Content Warnings: Divorce themes, minor familial conflict
⭐️ Verdict & Final Thoughts
What a Feeling is a delightful, crowd-pleasing addition to modern European queer cinema. It delivers the cozy comfort of classic romantic comedies while offering a refreshing, authentic celebration of love at any age. A must-watch for anyone looking for a uplifting, feel-good film.
📺 Where to Watch
Festival & Cinema Circuit: Featured at major international festivals (winning the Audience Award at the Seattle Queer Film Festival).
Streaming & VOD: European digital platforms and select international arthouse services (VOD availability expands regionally).
