by Martin I. Petrov 

Maggie’s Plan, Rebecca Miller’s new dramatic comedy starring Julianne Moore, Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke received its European premiere at the 66th Berlinale Panorama section yesterday evening at the Friedrichstadt Palast Theatre. 

The film is a contemporary story, following young Maggie who leaves and works in NYC. She is convinced that at the approach of her thirties, she wants to have a child and is seeking a sperm donor. But after she bumps into one of her colleagues, who happens to be looking for new friendships, Maggie’s life plan changes overnight. 

An overwhelming and fresh romantic comedy, with a hot contemporary topic, Maggie’s Plan deals with new family forms, societal recognition and challenges for both women and men with the background of a huge cosmopolis. It is a nicely told story about life, relationships and the ability to stand behind your choices, when everything and everyone is pointing to the opposite direction. 

Actresses Julianne Moore and Greta Gerwig, along with director Rebecca Miller, attended the Berlinale to present their film. 

At the official press conference, Julianne spoke about the role of Georgette, the powerful independent and career-minded wife of Ethan Hawke, calling it “challenging, but also thrilling”. Having to go through a divorce in the film, she remembered a personal story: “I've been with my husband for 20 years, so it’s difficult to imagine how it is to go through a separation. Of course we all have our ups and downs but in the end it’s always been good. I recently spoke to a person who went through a divorce and they told me they wouldn't go through marriage again. So I think I understand Georgette, she appears to be a funny person and not a monster after all.”  

Greta Gerwig also commented on her part as Maggie, saying that Rebecca guided her very well through everything. “We had long talks and we built the character together. All the lines were so good and speaking for themselves so I just needed to find a way to express them, speak them out loud.”