Silent Friend

In 1908, Grete, a determined young German woman, applies to become one of the first female students admitted to theMarburg University. During her entrance examination, the botanic department professor's board attempts to humiliate her with sexually charged questions on Linnaeus' classification of plants, that reveal both the professors' gender bias and her scientific knowledge. Overwhelmed, she runs to the Botanischer Garten Marburg adjacent to the campus, which includes an old ginkgo tree; she then finds out that she was the only woman accepted by the committee.

After attending a female group gathering at the ginkgo tree in the early morning hours, Grete is expelled from the home where she is renting a room, accused of promiscuity. Sheltered by Herr Fuchs, who hires her as an assistant in his photography studio, Grete grows fond of professional photography work, capturing her research objects. At the University, she applies to a college trip to the "East Indies", offering her work as a professional photographer.

In 1972, Hannes lives in a shared house near the campus, spending his time near the ginkgo tree. His neighbor, Gundula, researches people-plant interactions. Hannes is initially indifferent, due to the farm work he endured in his youth, but attempts to connect with her through Goethe's Metamorphosis of Plants; she rebukes him for his lack of knowledge. At a campfire, she asks if he wants to have sex with her, which a confused Hannes quickly denies. Gundula leaves for a trip, leaving him responsible for watering the plants, particularly a geranium in her room connected to a sensor.

Hannes overwaters it, displaying a strong reaction on the sensor. Fascinated, Hannes improves the functions of the sensor, enabling it to open the gate of the residence when it senses his presence. Hannes leaves a student protest to water the garden, with two classmates accompanying him. While watering the plants, the gate opens as the men carelessly drink and smoke in the same room as the geranium; Hannes kicks them out. Later, Hannes receives a postcard from Gundula where she mentions another student named Peter has expressed interest in her. Hannes is annoyed, and the geranium mirrors his disapproval.

In 2020, neurologist Dr. Tony Wong travels to the university to complete his research on newborn brain activity; shortly after his first class, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts his plans. Unable to continue his work, Wong frequents the garden, where he grows fond of the old ginkgo tree dating back to 1832. Advised by French botanist Dr. Alice Sauvage, he adapts a new research study to match his own neurological activity with the ginkgo's activity.

Attaching a brain scanner to the tree, he suspects a deep relationship between what is seen and unseen. Anton, the janitor, is confused and distressed by the research, destroying the equipment. Alice sends male ginkgo tree pollen to fertilize the Marburg's solitary female ginkgo. Anton comes to terms with Wong, offering him a local German dish. Both of them sit to watch the ginkgo's fertilization process through the scanner.

Films Boutique acquired the international sales rights to the film in May 2024.^[11] The film was presented at the Cannes Film Market in May 2025.^[12] A trailer was released on 4 September 2025.^[13] The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 5 September 2025,^[14] followed by its North American premiere on 9 September at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.^[15] It was also screened at the BFI London Film Festival.^[16] In November 2025, Silent Friend screened at the 46th Cairo International Film Festival where Ildikó Enyedi received a lifetime achievement Award and presented a masterclass titled "Poetry of reality".^[17]

It was theatrically released in Germany by Pandora Film on 15 January 2026.