I have been excited to see this one for some time due to the amount of constant buzz coming from various festivals since its premier at Cannes back in the summer. Now, it is finally starting to get a number of general releases around the world.
Each year, there is usually that late release of a highly acclaimed international film that we manage to see before the major awards are complete. So with Joachim Trier's newest project being it, I was intrigued to see what we would be in store for.
I've liked a lot of Trier's previous works. I really liked 'Oslo, August 31st' and also found 'Thelma' and 'Louder Than Bombs' to be pretty good pieces of works as well.
His films usually cover very real topics such as loneliness, friendship and sometimes hinting towards romance. This is usually in the form of internal struggles within the main character.
It's kind of more of the same, but not quite. There's a lot in this film that will feel relatable to a lot of people. Not just on how modern relationships are like. But also how certain generations behave nowadays. It shows how messy life is and that we can't have the best of both worlds.
I was intrigued that the film never really puts our characters into any particular categories. Deciding on the protagonists and antagonists I guess is up to the viewer. Depending on your views, past experiences etc., this is a pretty clever way on getting as many different opinions on what the viewer sees.
The script is very strong and probably the films biggest strength. Plenty of conversations we see with our main characters feel very real and to the point where it could almost be considered to be a documentary.
The way it is written gives every character a fair chance of being sympathetic and never feels we should judge anyone for their choices and actions. One thing is for sure, there are moments where the combination of the performances and script will be heart-breaking in the best way possible.
Speaking of performances, the cast were pretty strong across the board. Lead Renate Reinsve gives us a very modern character that while we might not agree with every decision they make, we can definitely relate and understand them. Regular Trier collaborator Anders Danielsen Lie is back and gives a very moving supporting role and is almost the heart of the film. He is given an emotional arch with rewarding results. Along with a solid authentic support by Herbert Nordrum, these three made the script fly off the pages.
Even some of the choices in the technical department played a part. The choices made in the camerawork and even sound design gave the film a very pleasing overall look and feel. It was always changing enough to never feel annoying. That was something that I was certainly not expecting to notice.
I have no major quarrels with the film. So it is just a matter how much I liked it.
It's not something I usually go nuts for. But I can see myself liking this more and more over the years. But for now, I will say that this is a strong piece of work. While it may not initially attract the masses, the topics it covers will work for a lot once they give it a chance.
It's a very human story that shows how successful we can be and also wasteful we are with our potential of making the most of the life that has been given to us. The performances and the script deserve recognition in some form and this could well be Trier's best work to date.
Rating: 8/10
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