The Manny 2015

A single father Clemens (Matthias Schweighöfer) is shunned by nanny services because his two children Winnie (Paula Hartmann) and Theo (Arved Friese) are impossible to babysit: they prank, bully, and terrify any woman who dares to enter their mansion. But finding a nanny is hardly Clemens’ number one priority, as his urban development project requires the demolition of an apartment building, a plan met with bitter opposition from its residents. The clash between progress and community sets the stage for a tense, sometimes comic confrontation that tests not only finances but also family bonds.

One of the opponents, Rolf (Milan Peschel), pays Clemens a visit to voice his protest, but is mistaken for the new nanny — or manny in his case. He sees a chance to disrupt Clemens’ plans and decides to step in, throwing the household into disarray while also offering an unexpected form of help. Rolf’s arrival brings a mix of mischief and warmth, and he quickly becomes a catalyst for change, despite the predictable challenges he faces from the unruly children. His goofy charm and sincere attempts to connect begin to chip away at the walls the kids have built around their home.

As Rolf stays, the truth behind the children’s behavior emerges: the root cause is Clemens’ chronic absence, which leaves Winnie and Theo craving attention and structure. With patient humor and down-to-earth gestures, Rolf helps the children open up and rediscover trust, while also nudging Clemens to reexamine what truly matters. To illustrate his point, Rolf invites Clemens to see a close-knit community he belongs to, showing that there are values beyond money and contracts. This journey toward understanding cultivates a gradual reconciliation, underscoring a hopeful message about family, belonging, and the power of shared humanity.