‘Water Lilies’ and the Journey of Identity
A gentle coming of age story, Water Lilies takes its time in exploring what it’s like to be a young girl trying to make sense of her sexuality in a heteronormative world.

Seven-year-old Moritz lives with his father Ben Sanddorn in Saxon Switzerland. Since the death of his mother many years ago, he has wanted nothing more than a new mother and, of course, a new wife for his father. And so he sends his pigeon Sammy on a search. Sammy flies to Salzburg, where the Sanddorn family used to live, and ends up with architect Paula. She is about to get married, but first she wants to take a break and bring the pigeon back. Paula spends a few days at Ben's guesthouse and makes friends with Moritz. She is fascinated by the introverted, likeable Ben and her emerging feelings are reciprocated by him. A loving romance develops, which Moritz pursues with enthusiasm. But then the budding love almost falls victim to an intrigue.
A gentle coming of age story, Water Lilies takes its time in exploring what it’s like to be a young girl trying to make sense of her sexuality in a heteronormative world.
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