Who Am I

Benjamin, a talented yet socially reserved coder from Hamburg, stumbles into a clandestine hacker collective that wants to announce itself to the world with stunts. The invitation feels like a doorway to belonging and prestige, a chance to test his skills among a circle that values cleverness and bravado over rules. What begins as sleek trolling and clever pranks soon escalates into dangerous games that blur lines between online spectacle and real life, drawing in rival crews, ruthless ambushes, and law enforcement on their trail. Benjamin finds himself negotiating loyalty with mentors, rivals, and friends who may not be what they seem. The hunt for admiration becomes a test of identity, ethics, and self control in a connected age.

Released in 2014, the film was directed by Baran bo Odar from an original screenplay co written with Jantje Friese. It is not adapted from a book, but built around a tech world that mirrors online culture and privacy concerns.

Critics praised the brisk tempo, sharp dialogue, and the chemistry between Benjamin and Max, played by Tom Schilling and Elyas M'Barek. The film digs into online identity, the lure of fame, and the costs of anonymity, while tracing how digital fame spills into real life consequences for modern audiences worldwide.

Among German thrillers, Who Am I helped fuel interest in cyber crime narratives with a glossy, high tech look and accessible plot. Its scenes of online misdirection and treachery resonated with audiences and influenced a wave of techno security themed cinema. Its visual style influences future German thrillers and audiences.

Awards: The film earned recognition with nominations at major German ceremonies and festival prizes, noting its slick production, tense direction, and timely themes of digital life. Critics highlighted its stylish approach as a notable entry in modern German thrillers, especially for editing and technocratic topics.