We go into the story as a tragedy unfolds. No doubt a planned murder, which goes wrong. Then we see the tragedy discovered, and police finding an almost lifeless woman, before we go back in time to see how it all started. The relationship of two boys moving into her neighborhood and life of a girl of the same age.
In her third feature film, All that matter is, (in Norwegian: Uskyld, which means innocence) Sara Johnsen once more makes a different and inspiring movie. The first two, the fabulous tender Vinterkyss and Upperdog, was very critically acclaimed, deservingly so. But critics has topped those after watching Uskyld.
What makes this film very interesting is the way it's told. We're jumping back and forth in the time-line, but without getting confused. However, a weak point is that the main characters all turn up in three different ages and persons, not quite lookalikes. But if you manage to look past this, you'll find a story about a unhealthy threesome, slowly revealed with the surprises of a viewer which obviously doesn't know it all.
Raw, tender, beautiful. like nothing you've seen before. When romance can't find the right way in relationships, and envy or jealousy slowly poison a brother's mind. Or is it plain evilness? Is the young girl to blame, fully or partially? Do we get the answers? The film is brutally honest, and shows scenes never seen in film. Making beautiful gross, and showing the real nature of things both in a relationship and in life.
We follow the female investigator from start, going back to showing that the trio has a history. The story unravels the mystery piece by piece, until we wonder who is really to blame. Sometims I really feel I'm watching something brilliant, but start doubting myself i her next second.
Sara Johnsen is one of Norwegian films most interesting filmmakers, and has committed a film which you'll have trouble forgetting. Does she go too far? You'll have to decide on your own. It's not for the faint of hearts! Still it is a rarely told story about a doomed triangle. Love doesn't conquer all. Love might rather infect souls and make it instinct.
