By Ian Kane
NR | 2h 5m | Drama, Romance | 2019
Some films have a knack for making the mundane feel like a discovery. They take ordinary spaces in one’s job—office cubicles, train stations, grocery aisles—and reveal the quiet poetry hidden in repetition, routine, and fluorescent lighting. The indie gem “In the Aisles” is one of those rare films that finds fascination in the everyday.
The rhythm and ritual can be oddly mesmerizing in a supermarket. The hum of machines, the shuffle and squeak of feet, and the monotony of stocking shelves become almost hypnotic, hinting at stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
There is a subtle humor in watching people navigate these environments. Slight frustrations, awkward encounters, and tiny victories take on oversized significance.
Christian Gruvert (Franz Rogowski, L) and his boss, Bruno (Peter Kurth), in “In the Aisles.” GJW+
Unexpected Connections
Christian Gruvert (Franz Rogowski) is a quiet man recently assigned to the night shift at a labyrinthine German wholesale supermarket. His nights are filled with the tedium of moving pallets, stacking products, and navigating endless aisles. Even in this repetitive environment, small events—such as the misplacement of a box, the hum of machinery, or a chance glance at a coworker—feel amplified, hinting at lives subtly unfolding around him.
Christian quickly discovers that the store has its own hierarchy and unspoken rules. Bruno (Peter Kurth), a grizzled supervisor in charge of the liquor section where Christian works, keeps an eye on him, doling out guidance in a way that mixes mentorship with subtle intimidation. Meanwhile, Christian observes the micropolitics of the workplace, from the slow-motion tug-of-war over department responsibilities to the quirky rituals that make the store feel like a small, peculiar fiefdom of its own.
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Amid pallets and price tags, Christian forms a tentative connection with Marion “Sweets” Koch (Sandra Hüller), the cheerful manager of the sweets aisle. Their interactions are understated and awkward, marked by shared breaks, small jokes, and fleeting glances. While romance never dominates the story, the subtle warmth between them suggests that even in the fluorescent-lit monotony of a supermarket, human connections can bloom in small, surprising ways.
There is an instant connection between Marion Koch (Sandra Hüller) and Christian Gruvert (Franz Rogowski), in “In the Aisles.” GJW+
Brilliant Indie Cinema
Rogowski’s performance as Christian is subtly magnetic. He carries an almost perpetual air of pensiveness, yet there’s an undercurrent of hope and resilience that makes you root for him even while he’s moving boxes and checking inventory. Rogowski conveys both the triumphs and frustrations of a night-shift worker without ever slipping into caricature, making Christian relatable in his ordinary perseverance.
Some of the quirky store employees of a supermarket, in “In the Aisles.” GJW+
Sandra Hüller as Marion is a delightful counterpoint. She’s warm, slightly mischievous, and perfectly capable of turning a mundane coffee break into a moment that feels like the climax of a romantic comedy, without ever feeling forced. Hüller balances sly humor and reserved longing with finesse, giving Marion a good amount of depth.
Peter Kurth tends to steal scenes as Bruno, bringing a gruff, dry humor to the mix. His mentorship of Christian has the perfect mix of stern authority and unexpected tenderness. Bruno’s occasional wry smiles and sardonic remarks add lots of remarkable comedic timing that keeps the night-shift grind from feeling too bleak, reminding us that every workplace has its odd heroes.
What’s remarkable about the film is its ability to make something as routine as stocking shelves feel quietly profound. The film celebrates minute victories and bursts of humanity: a well-organized shelf, a successful forklift maneuver, or a shared joke over cold coffee. Though unassuming, these scenes are elevated by Thomas Stuber’s direction and Peter Matjasko’s cinematography into moments of genuine beauty and human warmth.
The film leaves a viewer with a sense of optimism. Life in the aisles of a store is repetitive, sometimes tedious, yet filled with fleeting connections, small acts of kindness, and glimpses of personal growth.
“In the Aisles” reminds us that even the humblest work can contain dignity, humor, and the subtle magic of human interaction. It’s an enchanting portrait of everyday life that manages to charm, amuse, and inspire without ever feeling inauthentic.
“In the Aisles” is available on GJW+
‘In the Aisles’ Director: Thomas Stuber Starring: Andreas Leupold, Franz Rogowski, Peter Kurth Not Rated Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes Release Date: June 14, 2019 Rated: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
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