March Movie Pick: 'Force Majeure'

The European cinema is truly exceptional. Lately, I've been captivated by movies that linger with me for days, weeks, and beyond, much like 'Force Majeure.' They infiltrate my thoughts, sparking introspection during my everyday routines. This, in essence, is the essence of entertainment—provocation. It should compel us to contemplate. While mindlessly consuming content has its place, projects like this, which continue to engage the mind long after the credits roll, are truly precious to me, as they elevate the art form.

Recently, I stumbled upon this movie randomly on YouTube and I found its most crucial scene—the one involving the avalanche and the consequential choices that shape the rest of the narrative. The story follows a family on vacation in the French Alps, their lives forever altered by a devastating avalanche. The film confronts the audience, encouraging dialogue and introspection, creating a meta experience that adds a fascinating layer of discomfort. The black comedy doesn't derive its brilliance from merely placing characters in low moments but rather from provoking viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Ruben Östlund, the director and writer of this incredibly multi-layered story, masterfully deconstructs his characters, only to rebuild them time and again. The manner in which the story unfolds and how the characters grapple with their problems is both significant and relatable. Take, for instance, the main character Ebba, portrayed by the Norwegian actress Lisa Loven Kongsli. She refuses to let problems slide, meticulously dissecting every situation and value that contradicts her own, even as she struggles to maintain her reality. Kongsli's performance is masterful, drawing viewers deep into the story until they forget they're watching actors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the narrative.

Ebba's husband, Tomas, played by Johannes Kuhnke, is equally intriguing. He embodies the essence of a complex and enigmatic man, whose actions leave viewers questioning whether there's more to him or if he's simply superficial. The beauty of human nature lies in its complexity, and this film adeptly explores the richness and surprises within each character.

Ultimately, this movie serves as a perfect catalyst for couples to engage in meaningful discussions. Its themes are both relatable and humorous, yet profoundly serious and thought-provoking.

Iliya Badev