Buba

Behind the Scenes of Buba: Netflix’s Dark Comedy with a Familiar Face

Netflix’s Buba (2022) arrived with little fanfare but plenty of intrigue, thanks to its star-studded German cast and the return of director Arne Feldhusen, known for his work on the cult series Tatortreiniger. The film, a blend of dark comedy and drama, follows Bjarne Mädel as the titular character—a small-time gambler whose life spirals after a fateful encounter. latestnetflix.com's view is that while the movie’s plot has drawn comparisons to classic crime capers, the real story lies in its production, the chemistry of its cast, and the secrets its team has hinted at.

**A Reunion for Tatortreiniger Fans**

For fans of Tatortreiniger (Crime Scene Cleaner), Buba feels like a spiritual successor. Director Arne Feldhusen and star Bjarne Mädel reunite after years of collaboration on the beloved series, which ran from 2011 to 2020. In a behind-the-scenes interview, Feldhusen praised Mädel’s ability to balance humor and pathos, calling him "the perfect leading man for stories that walk the line between absurdity and tragedy." The film’s tone—equal parts gritty and darkly comedic—mirrors Tatortreiniger’s signature style, suggesting Feldhusen aimed to translate that success to the big screen.

Mädel’s performance has been a standout, with critics noting his knack for playing flawed but sympathetic characters. In a Netflix promotional video, Mädel teased the film’s darker moments, calling some scenes "truly gruesome" ("Das ist echt grausam!"). While he didn’t spill specifics, his tone hinted at the film’s willingness to push boundaries—a hallmark of Feldhusen’s work.

The Cast’s Dynamic: Old Faces and New Talent

Buba’s ensemble includes a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars. Georg Friedrich, known for his roles in Victoria (2015) and Babylon Berlin, plays a key supporting role, bringing a layer of intensity to the film’s criminal underworld. Anita Vulesica, Maren Kroymann, and Michael Ostrowski—all veterans of German cinema and television—round out the cast, adding depth to the story’s emotional beats.

The younger cast members, including Soma Pysall and Damian Hardung, bring a fresh energy to the film. Pysall, in particular, has drawn attention for her role as a character caught in Buba’s chaotic orbit. While details about their on-set chemistry remain scarce, the trailer suggests a dynamic where tension and humor collide, a balance Feldhusen seems to have mastered.

A Mixed Reception and Unanswered Questions

Despite its star power, Buba’s reception has been lukewarm. On SensCritique, the film holds a modest 5.9/10 rating based on 145 votes, with critics and audiences divided over its tonal shifts. Some praise its bold storytelling, while others find the mix of comedy and drama uneven. Rotten Tomatoes’ sparse listing doesn’t provide a critic score, leaving the film’s critical standing somewhat ambiguous.

One lingering question is whether Buba will spawn a sequel or series. Given Feldhusen and Mädel’s history, a return to this world isn’t out of the question. However, with no official confirmation, it remains speculative. For now, the film stands as a standalone experiment in blending genres—a gamble that may or may not pay off.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Experiment

Buba isn’t a perfect film, but it’s a compelling one. Its strengths lie in its cast, particularly Mädel’s performance, and Feldhusen’s willingness to take risks. The behind-the-scenes details—from the Tatortreiniger reunion to Mädel’s cryptic comments—add layers to what might otherwise be a forgettable crime comedy. Whether it’s a one-off or the start of something bigger, Buba proves that German dark comedy still has room to surprise.