Maik, who is called “psycho“ by others, is the outsider of his class and that’s why the seat next to him is free which is right where the new kid sits: Andrej Tschichatschow, or Tschick, because no one can pronounce his name. Maik can’t either but when Tschick goes over to his house with a “borrowed” lada at the beginning of summer break, he decides to ride with him. Staying at home is not an option: his mother is sobering up at the “beauty farm” again and his father is with his “secretary” on a “business trip” for an indeterminate time. Tschick and Maik ride with the lada in the vague direction of Wallachia, where Tschick’s grandfather supposedly lives. They have various adventures while on the road. They meet Isa, steal gas, look for a supermarket and try to warm frozen pizza with a lighter. TSCHICK is a very loyal and overall successful book adaptation with two great leading actors. Wolfgang Herrndorf’s laconic humor is a great fit for Fatih Akin.

Hendrike Bake

Translation: Elinor Lewy