Sun and Concrete (2023), directed by David Wnendt and based on Felix Lobrecht’s semi-autobiographical novel, is a raw and gripping coming-of-age drama set in Berlin’s working-class neighborhood of Gropiusstadt. The film follows a group of teenagers navigating the challenges of poverty, crime, and fractured family lives while searching for belonging and identity in an environment that often feels stacked against them.
At the center are Lukas (Levy Rico Arcos) and his friends, who find themselves pulled into a world of petty theft, drug dealing, and dangerous choices as they try to carve out a future. Wnendt’s direction captures the gritty realism of urban life while giving the story an emotional pulse that feels both intimate and universal. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival dominate, as the boys wrestle with moral dilemmas in a society that offers them few opportunities.
What makes Sun and Concrete stand out is its authenticity—the dialogue, performances, and atmosphere feel lived-in, reflecting the struggles of a generation caught between hope and hardship. The young cast delivers powerful, naturalistic performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight.
Unflinching yet tender, Sun and Concrete is a compelling portrait of youth resilience in the face of adversity.
