Phantoms of July review – interlocking tales hop across time in funny-quirky fable with a point

From a disgruntled maid in the 18th century to an Iranian influencer facing snide nationalists, four stories explore what it is to be trapped and longing for more

This is surely not how the German Romantic poet and philosopher Friedrich von Hardenberg (known by his pen name Novalis) would like to be remembered – by a giant poo in a chamber pot. But that is the lingering image in this absurdist comedy-drama from Julian Radlmaier, which is mostly set in the present day, but begins in the late 18th century where a rebellious teenage maid called Lotte (Paula Schindler) is sick of cleaning up after haughty aristocrats. Inspired by the French Revolution, Lotte sticks two fingers up at up the lot of them and takes off on a Bonnie and Clyde adventure, which does not end well for her. It’s an enigmatic opening to a strange and funny film, bittersweet with visual gags and a political point to make.

It’s set in the scenic German town of Sangerhausen, and features four interlocking stories about people who feel trapped in their lives, longing for more. After Lotte, we land with a bump in the 21st century where Ursula (Clara Schwinning) is working two jobs, cleaning in the mornings followed by waitressing in a cafe. It’s a case of different century, same gender and class barriers – and there is a surge of sadness as she remembers the night she got pregnant, her entire life shaped by a moment when she was 18. Schwinning’s sensitive sympathetic performance is the heart of the film. Ursula bunks off work to spend the day with a trio of classical musicians who are in town to perform at a concert.