No Mercy (Isabella Willinger, 2026): Germany

Reviewed by Ella Petrunia. Viewed at SBIFF.

No Mercy is a documentary directed by Isabella Willinger that appeals to all people interested in the history of cinema and the roles female filmmakers have played in the development of the industry. I watched this documentary at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, unaware of what I was getting into, and after seeing this film, I can say No Mercy is a powerful, reflective, and sometimes shocking look into a side of film that is rarely explored, diving into women’s experiences in filmmaking and the inspiration behind their art.

No Mercy explores the question: Do women make harsher films than men? In this documentary, multiple powerful female filmmakers, such as Celine Sciamma, Ana Lily Amirpour, Catherine Breillat, and many others, sit down to discuss their thoughts on this claim and explain their experiences as women in the film industry. The film repeatedly cuts between interviews and movie clips, displaying both spoken and visual commentary on the power of female-directed cinema. The documentary explores themes of sexuality and violence, claiming that female filmmakers may have a better artistic take on these subjects, displaying them in a more authentic and meaningful manner. A quote from one of the filmmakers that stuck out to me was, “For years, men have talked about women, but do they really know us?” For such a long time, men have had all the power in the film industry, having complete control over how women are displayed on screen, often leading to objectification and an unrealistic portrayal of the female experience. This documentary, however, redirects this narrative, putting women’s voices at the forefront and allowing them to tell their own story. The documentary argues that women make films that challenge conventional storytelling and societal expectations, including violence without glorifying it and displaying sexuality in a way that feels real and less centered on the “male gaze”. These filmmakers speak on what it was like getting into the industry and the struggles they faced due to their gender. These women have begun portraying their own experiences through film, allowing female viewers to connect with cinema in a way they have never before. 

One of the most impactful aspects of this documentary was the balance of director commentary and movie footage. The way these clips were edited together makes the film’s message feel more powerful, as the audience is able to visualize the discussions on violence and sexuality, and see how these topics have been displayed on screen. The film’s score enhances the feel of the documentary, allowing for seamless transitions from one director’s perspective to another, making the film feel almost like a conversation between many different female voices.

Although this documentary discusses many uncomfortable topics, I believe No Mercy is absolutely worth your time. It is so important to hear the perspectives of people who are not often heard or seen, as they might be the ones who have the most to say. This film gives so much insight into the inspiration behind so many profound female-directed films, and urges you to reconsider the way that you view cinema and the ways that women are displayed and objectified so casually on screen.