How to Be Really Bad (Wie man keine Engel wird) is a German comedy film based on the novel by Hortense Ullrich. It tells the story of Lilith, the rebellious teenage daughter of the Devil, who grows tired of her life in Hell and yearns for a change. To prove her capability and assert her independence, she strikes a deal with her father: she will be sent to Earth to corrupt a virtuous soul within a limited timeframe.
Lilith arrives in a quiet suburban town and targets Greta, an ordinary and kind-hearted teenager who seems like an easy mark for corruption. However, Lilith soon discovers that fitting into human society and influencing Greta’s behavior is more challenging than she anticipated. As she navigates the complexities of high school life, friendships, and human emotions, Lilithβs devilish schemes often backfire, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments.
As Lilith spends more time with Greta and the other students, she begins to experience feelings of empathy and connection, something foreign to her life in Hell. Her growing attachment to Greta and her new friends creates an internal conflict, as she must choose between fulfilling her mission and embracing the goodness she discovers within herself. Meanwhile, her father keeps a close eye on her progress, adding pressure and comedic tension.
In the end, How to Be Really Bad delivers a lighthearted yet meaningful story about friendship, self-discovery, and the power of kindness. Lilith learns that being βbadβ isnβt as simpleβor fulfillingβas she once believed, and she faces a choice that will define her future. The film combines humor, fantasy, and heart to create an entertaining tale for audiences of all ages, with an uplifting message about the potential for change and redemption.