The Little Reaper

Samuel (11) never leaves the house – the world's a terrifying place out there! Then one afternoon, the Grim Reaper shows up at his door… well, a small one, still in training. Together, they're about to discover what it really means to be alive.

Samuel (11) never leaves home – the world's too dangerous. Then – to his dismay – Frida (9), a little Grim Reaper-in-training, appears and insists he teach her about life. Reluctantly, Samuel steps outside, discovering friendship, courage, and the thrill of being alive for the first time. But when fate puts their bond to the test, they both learn that even Death can't stop a true friendship from changing everything.

Main country of production

Germany

Director's note

When I read Anne Gröger's "The Little Reaper," I was deeply moved by its honesty and humour. The story confronts fear and mortality without trying to erase them – instead, it celebrates life because of them. Samuel, terrified of the world, meets Frida, a curious and rebellious little Grim Reaper. Together, they embody fear and vitality – two forces within us all. Especially after the pandemic, many children have grown up surrounded by anxiety; this film reminds us that fear is learned, not destiny. Life is risky, messy, and beautiful – and only by embracing it can we truly live.

Producer's note

"The Little Reaper" is a heartfelt and humorous family film about fear, friendship, and embracing life. When cautious Samuel meets Frida – a lively little Grim Reaper in training – his safe, isolated world is turned upside down. Through her curiosity and chaos, he learns that life's beauty lies in its risks, and that only by facing fear can we truly live.
Written by Anne Gröger and directed by Katja Benrath ("Rocca Changes the World," German Film Award 2019), the film combines humour, emotion, and adventure to explore big questions with lightness and heart. Like Pixar's "Coco," it encourages families to talk openly about death – not to fear it, but to celebrate life.

Subjects:

friendship, death