Netflix’s Unorthodox premiered in late March, captivating audiences with its portrayal of a young Hasidic woman’s conservative upbringing in Brooklyn and her subsequent escape to – and reinvention in – Berlin. This four-part miniseries, based partly on a memoir by Deborah Feldman, revolves around Esther Shapiro’s journey of self-discovery, highlighting the contrasting cultures and environments of these two cities.
As co-creator and executive producer Anna Winger explains, “We are seeing both Brooklyn and Berlin through Esty’s eyes.” The production design, crafted by the talented Silke Fischer, offers an expressionistic view of the characters’ worlds.
The filming process, which lasted 50 days, started in Germany. The creative team, including Feldman, Winger, and co-creator Alexa Karolinski, captured the essence of Berlin’s neighborhoods before heading to New York for the exteriors. For instance, while Esty’s wedding is set in Brooklyn, it was actually filmed in a Palestinian wedding hall north of Berlin, showcasing the authenticity of local settings. “The coffee shop is a real one, the Barn—they make the best coffee in Berlin,” Winger adds.
1. Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Williamsburg is often viewed as a hipster hub, but this area of north Brooklyn is equally known for its Hasidic communities, including the Satmar sect featured in Unorthodox. Though these cultures coexist in proximity, the vibrant bars and restaurants on Bedford Avenue feel worlds apart from the Jewish bakeries and kosher markets on Lee Avenue.
To experience this neighborhood like Esty, consider a leisurely walk away from the main streets where you may discover familiar scenery. “We chose most of the exteriors of key locations in Brooklyn first and built the interiors to match in Berlin,” Winger elaborates.
2. West Berlin
For 19-year-old Esty, Berlin symbolizes a fresh start. Consequently, the creative team selected locations that visually echoed this sentiment, primarily focusing on Kreuzberg. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with eclectic eateries, bars, and shops, along with spots in Schöneberg, Charlottenburg, Wannsee, and around Potsdamer Platz, a historic quarter revitalized in the 1990s.
“When we were looking for locations in Berlin, we wanted to emphasize color and light, non-linear shapes, and a sense of openness,” Winger explains. The team was particularly drawn to the unique architecture surrounding the ’60s-style venue Berlin Philharmonie. Winger notes that sites like the Musikinstrumenten-Museum serve as the backdrop for where Esty meets her new friends, alongside the quirky ’80s facade of the Hinrich Baller apartment building where her mother resides. “We aimed to explore less-represented areas on the west side of the city,” Winger adds.
3. East Berlin
While most of the filming took place in West Berlin, important scenes from the third episode were captured on the east side of the city. For instance, Esty’s estranged husband and his cousin take a break during their search for the runaway bride, visiting Weissensee, Europe’s largest Jewish cemetery, where over 115,000 people are interred.
Later, while seeking employment, Esty is drawn inside the Zionskirche by the sound of a choir. Once a focal point for both Nazi and East German resistance, this church now features a permanent exhibit and offers visitors stunning views from its tower on Sundays for a nominal fee.
4. Wannsee Lake
On the southwestern outskirts of Berlin lies Wannsee Lake, a picturesque destination perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. This area offers beautiful forests for exploration, relaxing beaches, and clear waters for swimming. Moreover, Wannsee houses significant historical sites, with the most notable being the Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz, the villa used by Nazi officials to discuss the ‘Final Solution.’ Today, it serves as a memorial featuring exhibits in the very rooms where these discussions took place.
In Unorthodox, Wannsee makes a memorable appearance in the first episode as Esty and her friends venture to the beach. They experience a freeing moment as Esty, still dressed in her Hasidic attire, observes them running towards the water, a powerful symbol of her internal conflict and awakening.
Winger reflects on her inspiration from the classic silent Billy Wilder film from 1930, People on Sunday. “The choice of that location was very deliberate,” she notes, as it culminates with a trip to Wannsee for a swim, symbolizing lost innocence. Winger explains how conversations around Jewish experiences in Germany shaped the narrative of Unorthodox, emphasizing layers of history intertwining throughout Berlin.
