Heike works for a cleaning company, where every day she must navigate challenges within her team, meet exacting standards and keep both clients and management satisfied. When a powerful subcontractor threatens to withdraw his workers unless his team is given more work, Heike comes under pressure to dismiss a capable and well-liked employee. She finds herself caught between her responsibility towards her colleagues and the harsh realities of the low-wage service sector. Combining a documentary sensibility with a largely non-professional cast, I Understand Your Displeasure stood out as one of the Berlinale’s most striking debuts.
