"Pochlatko’s approach is both bold and original, blending drama, satire, and even hints of the surreal to give the audience an immersive look into Pia’s perspective"

As part of this year’s Berlinale Perspectives, How to Be Normal and the Oddness of the Other World marks an impressive debut from Austrian director Florian Pochlatko. The film explores the complexities of mental illness and challenges the thin line between what society considers “normal” and what it labels as “crazy.”

The story follows Pia (Luisa-Céline Gaffron), a young woman recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital, trying to find her way back into everyday life. Between dealing with her parents' expectations, medication, and an unforgiving world, she slowly begins to question whether the reality she’s returning to is any less surreal than the one she left behind.

Pochlatko’s approach is both bold and original, blending drama, satire, and even hints of the surreal to give the audience an immersive look into Pia’s perspective. The film’s energy keeps it engaging, and its shifting tones make it feel fresh rather than predictable. The cinematography subtly reflects Pia’s disorientation, and the performances—especially from Gaffron—feel genuine and layered.

What stands out the most is the film’s ability to spark reflection. It doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites the audience to question their own perceptions of mental health and what it really means to "fit in."

A well-executed and thought-provoking debut.