Director: Roar Uthaug
Writer: Thomas
Moldestad
Roar Uthaug and Thomas Moldestad
are Norwegian long-time collaborators best known for the Cold Prey (Fritt vilt)
movies. With Escape (Flukt), they deliver a survivor’s tale set ten years after
the Black Plague ravaged Europe. Signe and her family are attacked by a clan of
ravagers led by the calmly fierce Dagmar (played by Ingrid Bolsǿ Berdal). As
their intentions for Signe become clear, Signe escapes the desperate group, but
they are not going to let her leave so easily; especially when Signe has Dagmar’s
most prized possession.
Filmed in Norway, Uthaug masterfully
crafts a familiar tale while still making it feel exciting, and at times
nostalgic, making you long for the days of Mad Max and vintage Ingmar Bergman
films such as The Virgin Spring. Fans of the Lord of the Rings scenery could
take pleasure in the practical authenticity of the costumes and gorgeous
cinematography. The actors draw the viewer as much as the natural elements,
particularly Berdal (one of Uthaug’s and Moldestad’s regulars) who plays here
role with equal harshness and grace. The makeup department had to go out of
their way to make her look even remotely unattractive, yet still her natural beauty
shines through. There are no weak links among this cast, which also includes
Gaahl, lead singer of metal band Godspeed (formerly of Gorgoroth) as one of
Dagmar’s henchmen.
A tale of survival, lavishing
scenery, and great acting, and the right pinch of violence make Escape an
overlooked and underrated film. If sub-titles don’t bother you, you’ll get the
full pleasure of an excellent native Norwegian film. If sub-titles are an
actual demerit to you, watch this movie anyway. Get some more culture in your
life.
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