Rose stars Sandra Hüller as a woman who passes as a male soldier in a small Protestant village after the Thirty Years’ War. Director Markus Schleinzer says the film grew from his research into historical cases of women living as men, which he sees as resonant with fears facing marginalised communities today.

Hüller and Schleinzer developed the character through a playful, collaborative process, aiming for a believable portrayal without relying on obvious choices. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February, where Hüller won the Silver Bear for best lead performance, and later had its North American premiere at Telluride.