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Drama thriller

Four Hands (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Four Hands (2018) movie poster

Four Hands is a 2018 drama thriller directed by Oliver Kienle, starring Frida-Lovisa Hamann as Sophie, Christoph Letkowski and Detlef Bothe. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $2,155 worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes
83%
worldwide gross
$2.2K
Echo Score
77
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Four Hands (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Oliver Kienle
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
German
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Four Hands About?

The premise of Four Hands without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Haunted by a shared traumatic past, the lives of two sisters are shattered when one dies in an accident. The tragedy awakens a dark and sinister presence within the surviving sister, Sophie. As Sophie grapples with grief and the possibility of escaping her sister's controlling influence, she finds herself battling a malevolent force that’s taking over her actions and threatening to destroy her sense of self.

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Cast & crew

Four Hands Cast & Characters

Frida-Lovisa Hamann leads the cast as Sophie, with Christoph Letkowski as Martin and Detlef Bothe as Klinger. Directed by Oliver Kienle; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Four Hands

· 5 more
From the director

More from Oliver Kienle

More films directed by Oliver Kienle, best-rated first: Isi & Ossi, Sixty Minutes and Bis aufs Blut.

Full filmography
Ratings

Four Hands Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Four Hands 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

77 /100

Four Hands Echo Score Breakdown

Four Hands delivers a measured blend of visceral intensity and introspective drama, effectively balancing genre thrills with a quiet exploration of grief. The film’s pacing keeps viewers engaged through its breakneck momentum, while its supernatural elements provide a distinctive psychological layer. Performances convey a subdued emotional weight, even as the plot occasionally drifts into predictability. Overall, the film leaves a contemplative aftertaste, offering enough narrative propulsion and thematic depth to resonate beyond its runtime.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and craft, Four Hands displays assured stylistic choices and disciplined editing. Scenes of violence are framed with precision, lending the film a coherent visual rhythm even amid sudden jolts. Production design supports the narrative’s eerie tone, while Kienle’s compositional eye maintains a disciplined balance between spectacle and restraint. The result is a consistently polished aesthetic that underpins the story’s emotional stakes.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character development, Four Hands benefits from committed performances that anchor its supernatural premise in emotional reality. The leads portray grief and confusion with measured subtlety, fostering genuine empathy. Dialogue remains understated yet effective, allowing character arcs to evolve naturally. Even supporting roles contribute moments of psychological insight. Ultimately, the film’s nuanced portrayals lend it a resonant emotional core that elevates its genre trappings.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of narrative flow, Four Hands moves with compelling momentum but occasionally sacrifices coherence for atmospheric impact. Pacing generally sustains viewer engagement, yet some plot turns feel predictable or underexplored. The incorporation of supernatural elements adds originality, even if certain twists lack full narrative payoff. While the story’s meditative texture offers thematic resonance, its uneven structure can hinder sustained immersion. Overall, the plot strikes a functional balance between intrigue and familiarity.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Regarding sensory impact, Four Hands creates a haunting audiovisual landscape that amplifies its horror elements. The sound design punctuates violent moments with precise intensity, while the score underscores emotional beats without overwhelming them. Visual styling combines a muted palette with sudden contrasts to evoke unease. Occasional jolts in framing and sound layering heighten suspense. As a result, the film maintains a cohesive atmosphere that lingers in the viewer’s mind.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    With respect to replay value, Four Hands offers moments of thematic depth that may reward a second viewing, particularly in its handling of grief. Its atmospheric sequences and subtle performances invite closer examination. However, predictability in certain plot developments and occasional incoherence may limit its broader appeal. The film’s strongest elements shine on reflection, but uneven narrative aspects could deter casual rewatchers. It remains moderately engaging for dedicated genre enthusiasts.

Plot

Four Hands Plot Summary

What happens in Four Hands from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Houcheng (Wu Hsing-kuo) disembarked from the train in Shandong Province in 1949, he faced an unimaginable ordeal as he was abruptly taken from his family by the Republic of China Army. In that moment, he was severed from his younger brother, his newlywed wife, and the life he had known. The subsequent birth of his son, Jiawang (Geng Le), became a poignant reminder of what he had lost, adding an emotional weight to his journey.

Full summary

The whole story of Four Hands, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Four Hands Box Office

Four Hands grossed $2,155 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.2K

International
$2.2K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Four Hands?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In which year does Houcheng begin his journey away from Shandong Province?

Seen Four Hands?

FAQ

Four Hands FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Four Hands, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Four Hands?

Four Hands runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Four Hands released?

Four Hands was released on September 14, 2018.

Who directed Four Hands?

Four Hands was directed by Oliver Kienle.

More films by Oliver Kienle

Who is in the cast of Four Hands?

Four Hands stars Frida-Lovisa Hamann as Sophie, Christoph Letkowski as Martin and Detlef Bothe as Klinger, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Four Hands make at the box office?

Four Hands grossed $2,155 worldwide.

How is Four Hands rated?

Four Hands has 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Does Four Hands have a post-credit scene?

No. Four Hands has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Four Hands in?

The original language of Four Hands is German.

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