Center of My World is a German coming-of-age romantic drama directed by Jakob M. Erwa, based on the novel by Andreas Steinhöfel. The story follows Phil, a 17-year-old boy who returns home from summer camp to find tension between his eccentric mother, Glass, and his twin sister, Dianne. Their relationship, once close, is now strained, and Phil feels emotionally isolated within his own home, a large, crumbling mansion called “Visible.”
Phil finds comfort in his best friend Kat, a bold and outspoken girl who supports him through his emotional confusion and curiosity. When a mysterious and handsome new student named Nicholas arrives at school, Phil is immediately drawn to him. Their connection quickly develops into a passionate and tender romance, marking Phil’s first experience with love and desire.
As their relationship deepens, Phil feels elated but also increasingly vulnerable. He starts to question not only Nicholas’s feelings but also his own identity and place in the world. At the same time, unresolved tensions within his family continue to build, pushing Phil to confront hidden truths about his past and the people around him.
Phil’s emotional journey is marked by heartbreak, jealousy, and a growing need for understanding. When secrets are revealed—both about Nicholas and within his own family—Phil must navigate betrayal, loss, and self-discovery. The pain forces him to mature and find strength in accepting himself, even when others let him down.
In the end, Center of My World is a touching exploration of love, identity, and the chaos of adolescence. Through Phil’s eyes, the film portrays the intensity of first love and the importance of finding one’s own truth, even when the world feels uncertain. Its honest storytelling and emotional depth make it a powerful and relatable coming-of-age story.