This film is a masterclass in psychological drama. The media content surrounding this film often focused on its stark exploration of honor killings and the immigrant experience in Europe. Kekilli’s performance is hauntingly quiet; she says more with her exhausted eyes and slumped posture than most actors do with pages of dialogue. It earned her the German Film Award for Best Actress, cementing her status as an arthouse darling.

She frequently uses her platform to speak against violence against women.

In addition to her Lola for Head-On , she won a second Lola for Best Actress in 2010 for her role in "When We Leave" ( Die Fremde ).