People have talked and talked about the revolution within Norwegian films for a few years now. That everything has become so much better. In my opinion, most of the films produced in the last few years, within this so-called revolution, has been the same old stories and concepts that Norway has made from day one, except the productions has become better. I have visited the theater for basically every new Norwegian film, with high hopes and a wanting to like what they show, and every time I walk out disappointed and with less hope for our present generation of filmmakers. This all changed today. I went to the premiere of Fritt Vilt expecting a nice slasher film, and I walked out 95 minutes later, with hope restored and a nice smile on my face. I actually felt good.
The film is a slasher film, through and through, and that is both one of it's strengths, but also it's weakness. The film contains basically every little slasher movie clichè you can think of. It's just they do it so very well. It is a genre film and it doesn't bring anything new to the concept, but it's fresh for us Norwegians. The film doesn't try to be anything more than a good horror film.
The setting is excellent. An old abandoned hotel in the middle of nowhere up in the mountains. The back story is not exactly original, but it works well enough to pull of some really scary scenes. The look and feel of the hotel and the isolation is all there, and the evil that is lurking sure is creepy.
Roar Uthaug does a few neat tricks early in the movie, which makes you sit at the edge of your seat through out the film, and his direction is good. The script is good enough for a horror story, but sometimes, especially in the opening scene, the dialoges are pretty campy and lame. But they redeem themselves quickly when the sh#% hits the fan.
The acting is excellent from most of the cast. I hope we'll see a lot more of Ingrid Bolsø Berdal in other films. Having her in the lead was a smart move. I would also like to credit Rolf Kristian Larsen. He had some funny commentaries and face expressions. The weakest actor, and at times so bad it was annoying, was Endre Martin Midtstigen. I'm not sure why he was in the movie. He must know someone in the production team, cause he has no acting talents what so ever.
A creepy horror film from Norway, and one of our finest films in recent years. I hope to see more of Roar Uthaug in the near future. I think this is a director with much to come. Also Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, we want more of you! Keep Up The Good Work!
