Lukas (Fabian Hinrichs) works for social services in Germany, delivering food to the elderly. His quiet, detached demeanor makes him the perfect companion for the group of lonely shut-ins that he visits daily. Lukas leads a structured, isolated life driving around the city all day and rowing in his off hours. While riding a bus from work, a pretty young woman, Isabella (Lavinia Wilson), throws a note on to his lap reading, “help me!” He follows her off the bus and the two of them spend the evening together in the red light district; window shopping for sex toys. After several drinks at a bar where each reveal intimate sexual anecdotes, Isabella asks if she can stay the night at Lukas’ flat. Though the young man assumes that his new friend is interested in a night of sex, she fends off his awkward advances and promptly goes to sleep. The couple begin a tentative courtship, but much of Isabella’s life remains a mystery. At one point she abruptly leaves a date and heads across the street for what appears to be a martial arts training class. Lukas follows her; inadvertently catching her having sex in a changing room with an older man. The man is eventually revealed to be her stepfather whom she lives with (along with her mom and young half-sibling). Inexplicably, their platonic relationship continues as Lukas becomes increasingly obsessed with the mysterious woman. What follows is a very strange (and ambiguous) odyssey for the brooding protagonist.

“Gun-Shy” (or “Schussangst” it’s true German title which means “fear of shooting”) is a very difficult film to categorize. It’s an interesting slice-of-life of lower class Germany, a seriocomic meditation on loneliness and a drama with thriller trappings. It’s to director Dito Tsintsadze’s credit that the film never feels tonally uneven; the action is always grounded in the real and mundane. Jonathan Demme pulled a similar trick with the underrated “Something Wild.” Though the films are polar opposites, both tell unconventional love stories that shift several times in tone and narrative direction. Lukas is very much a loner, always observing others quietly. At one point he even borrows a neighbors night vision goggles; rowing alone at night, watching the people in the apartment across the street. Voyeurism is a constant theme in the film. Even when Lukas is interacting with others he seems to be on the outside looking in. Abstract Hitchcockian is the truest way to describe the casual, elusive narrative of “Gun-Shy.” Echoes of “Rear Window” and “Vertigo” haunt the corners, but to little effect. Pieces of Isabella’s background are intentionally left ambiguous. So much so that it feels as if the film is headed for a third act twist. Is she really who she says she is? Much like Lukas, the audience is kept at a distance, never truly making a connection to the character or her plight.

The two leads are especially good; giving strong psychological nuance to their vague characterizations. Hinrichs is a quietly intense screen presence and makes Lukas’ lonely journey palatable. Wilson manages to make Isabella likeable in spite of her extreme and often selfish behavior. The supporting cast is also strong; especially the shut-ins who have befriended their young care-giver. Tsintsadze (who co-wrote the film with Dirk Kurbjuweit) is a solid actor’s director and clearly believes in his story. It’s a shame that he decided to impose his isolated character’s point-of-view onto his audience as well. The audience-as-voyeur aesthetic makes the film virtually drama-free. A puzzle box with no resolution; just a “shocking” ending that is anything but.

This DVD from TLA Releasing is a solid package, especially given its obscure film festival pedigree. “Gun Shy” is presented in a nice 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. The picture quality is sharp; even during the sometimes under lit night scenes. The Dolby Digital sound mix is also very clear for a low budget film of this nature. Extras include some trailers for TLA titles, an informal (and short) director’s statement and optional English subtitles that are sometimes hard to read.

“Gun-Shy” is a peculiar German film more concerned with the haunting ambiguities of life than coherent narrative. It’s well acted and directed but ultimately unsatisfying. Rent Demme’s “Something Wild” for a truly provocative and thrilling love story.