Director Margarethe von Trotta weaves a wondrously compelling tale of friendship and feminism around the relationship between two seemingly opposite women. Olga is a professor of women's literature, Ruth is a gifted and extremely reticent artist who is desperately fearful of the outside world. From their first meeting they share a warmth and understanding that transcends the outside world. Stunningly acted, SHEER MADNESS may be the most powerful of von Trotta's works to date.