Å Øve

A quiet road movie that feels like a friend's story about her trip last year. However, unlike a friend's recounting, where emotional investment is high, the lack of dialogue in the movie hinders viewer engagement. Trine's thoughts must often be inferred through facial expressions, making it challenging to connect deeply with her story. Also, character development suffers from it. A shaky camera with a lot of close ups and wide, beautiful landscape shots gives the movie a documentary like feel. On the one hand this fosters immersion and makes the viewers feel like they are actually part of the road trip, but on the other hand it feels like observing a stranger. Nonetheless the movie had some cool cinematic ideas and shots. It also effectively portrays the less glamorous aspects of both road trips and environmental activism, highlighting the frustrations that can arise.

Å Øve" (2023) attempts to explore deep emotional themes but ultimately falls flat due to its sluggish pacing and lackluster character development. The dialogue of the movie probably fits on a single sheet of paper.

Visually, the cinematography is competent but seems repetitive and fails to elevate the narrative, as the aesthetic choices do not effectively complement the emotional beats. The film's reliance on introspective moments can create a contemplative atmosphere, yet it frequently drags, leaving viewers disengaged.

Additionally, the soundtrack, while fitting, does little to enhance the storytelling. Overall, "Å Øve" might resonate with some viewers, but for those looking for engaging storytelling and dynamic characters, it is likely to be a tedious watch. The potential for a more gripping narrative is evident, but the execution leaves much to be desired.