Force Majeure is a long-winded drama, set and shot in a resort in the French Alps, during a five- day family holiday. A narrow escape from an impromptu avalanche results in Tomas' (Johannes Kuhnke) instinctive reaction. Ironically it causes a snowball effect in the family dynamic and patriarch in particular. With great performances by all involved, especially Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli) this film builds, and maintains an awkward tension throughout.
With lengthy takes and drawn out moments, it succeeds in creating realism. However, it treads a fine line between tiresome and artistic. An abundance of beautiful cinematography and scenery, although seemingly gratuitous at times, it is definitely something to look at. With a score and flow you'll either love or hate, the technical aspects of the film surpass the plot development. An intriguing premise that provided food-for-thought as the film progressed, was let down by a somewhat weak and untidy finale.
***/5 ******/10
By Rocio Belinda Mendez
With lengthy takes and drawn out moments, it succeeds in creating realism. However, it treads a fine line between tiresome and artistic. An abundance of beautiful cinematography and scenery, although seemingly gratuitous at times, it is definitely something to look at. With a score and flow you'll either love or hate, the technical aspects of the film surpass the plot development. An intriguing premise that provided food-for-thought as the film progressed, was let down by a somewhat weak and untidy finale.
***/5 ******/10
By Rocio Belinda Mendez