Sep. 09, 2021|Germany|n/A
Genre: Comedy
Description: In the fictional Upper Bavarian town of Grubberg, Karl Kruse, an unpopular and grumpy lifeguard, faces the daunting task of saving the aging outdoor pool from being shut down. The mayor has decided it’s too old, too costly, and no longer sustainable, while a builder, Albert Dengler, wants to demolish it to construct expensive apartments. For Karl, who has worked at the pool for over 30 years and even lives in a company apartment on-site, the situation is dire. Making matters worse, he is assigned Sali, a Nigerian refugee who cannot swim, as his assistant. As an outsider in the village, Karl has no friends or allies; instead, his strict behavior has earned him widespread dislike.
Karl’s priority as a former swimming champion is maintaining “discipline and order” at the pool. However, the visitors constantly challenge him—whether it’s an elderly woman swimming in the wrong lane, people jumping sideways into the water, or misaligned loungers. Even a pair of stubborn ducks repeatedly soil the pool with their droppings, surviving even Karl’s attempts to drive them away. The situation worsens when Dr. Rieger, too scared to jump from the 5-meter tower, halts the pool’s operations entirely.
The potential closure of the pool also threatens the quirky village water polo team, who decide to support Karl. Together, they plan to turn the outdoor pool into a cooperative by selling 1,000 shares at €50 each. However, the sales are slow, and with €46,350 still needed, the future remains uncertain. Dengler offers to cover the shortfall but demands Karl expel Sali, whom Dengler distrusts due to his growing friendship with Dengler’s daughter. Despite the offer, Karl refuses to abandon Sali, even if it means losing the pool and his livelihood.
In this heartwarming tale, Karl and the village must unite to save their beloved pool, facing challenges both personal and communal along the way.
Cast director: Marcus H. Rosenmüller
Cast actor: Milan Peschel, Dimitri Abold, Sebastian Bezzel, Gisela Schneeberger, Rick Kavanian, Johanna Wokalek, Sarah Mahita, Frederic Linkemann
Original name: Beckenrand Sheriff