Two mothers, two best friends: Nina, trapped in a marriage with an abusive husband, and Angie, a single mother constantly struggling financially. When Angie asks Nina’s husband—who works at a bank—for a small loan to pay for her daughter’s school trip, the story takes an unexpected turn: What begins as a misunderstanding turns into an involuntary hostage situation. With the police already hot on their heels, the situation threatens to escalate, and Nina takes charge. Aware of her own vulnerability and that of her daughter, she makes the necessary decisions to protect everyone.

“Sheri Hagen is able to address everything that’s on her mind regarding the situation of Black women in Germany within the framework of this surreal tall tale. She stages it in a way that’s both entertaining and complex—so much so that one of the best laughs involves police raids against Antifa, and a topic like domestic violence against women can be addressed with both empathy and anger.” taz.de

“What begins as a seemingly mundane everyday situation unfolds into a multi-layered drama about domestic violence, the power of friendship, and the longing for freedom. Behind the façade of everyday life, a reality is revealed that affects millions. BILLIE combines pain and humor, lightheartedness and despair—and shows how closely absurdity and existential necessity are intertwined.” Götz-George Foundation

“Outstanding performances, especially by Commey and Jacobs, make the film a cinematic event.” Die Welt