Wolke unterm Dach (2022) is a German drama film that explores grief, memory, and the emotional distance that can grow within a family after loss. The story centers on a middle-aged man who struggles to cope with the sudden death of his wife while trying to maintain a sense of normality for his children.

The main character, Paul, is a loving but emotionally reserved father who lives with his two young sons. After his wife’s unexpected death, the family’s daily life continues outwardly unchanged, but inside the home, silence and suppressed emotions dominate. Paul avoids openly expressing his grief, believing that staying strong and practical is the best way to protect his children.

As time passes, Paul’s emotional repression begins to affect his relationship with his sons. The children sense the absence of their mother and their father’s emotional unavailability, but they are unable to articulate their pain. Small moments, misunderstandings, and unspoken feelings gradually create distance within the family.

The title, Wolke unterm Dach (“Cloud Under the Roof”), symbolizes the invisible but heavy presence of grief hanging over the household. Memories of the mother appear through quiet details and flashbacks, emphasizing how loss continues to shape everyday life even when it is not openly discussed.

The film uses a subtle, restrained narrative style, focusing on silence, body language, and ordinary moments rather than dramatic confrontation. It portrays grief as a slow, isolating process and shows how avoidance can prevent healing.

Overall, Wolke unterm Dach is a sensitive and intimate portrayal of mourning and emotional disconnection. It suggests that true healing requires openness, vulnerability, and the courage to share pain rather than hiding it, especially within a family.