Lyckantropen

It's a fair guess that many viewers who come across this short film will do so based on the fact that celebrated Norwegian experimental artists Ulver composed the score. It's worth discussing that aspect from the start, for the music is more prevalent in 'Lyckantropen' than dialogue, and lends a measure of uneasy atmosphere matching the rife tension. With that said, as much as I admire Ulver, I actually would rather the score be less prominent moved nearer the background of the audio mix - but such is life.

The concise, simple narrative is structured around the husband and wife, and as such is almost more than anything else a showcase for stars Felix Engström and Elin Klinga. Both give strong performances in realizing the tempest of emotions their characters go through, and bear able nuance and poise to make the troubled couple very believable. Their portrayals are more important here than the story as a whole, and so is the scene writing: while there is a beginning and an ending to 'Lyckantropen,' and it is satisfying to that point, the small pieces that together comprise the tableau are given greater consideration in the screenplay. Each cements a moment in time in the progressively distressed relationship between the spouses, and the plot, such as it is, is merely a meager connecting thread that weaves them all together, in a near-perfect loop.

Steve Ericsson's direction is as deft as his hand that co-wrote the feature with Mikke Schirén, realizing each scene with a pleasing completeness alongside his stars' performances. Factor in some sharp editing and sequencing, and sound camerawork, and the result is a quiet, uncomplicated short film that's rewarding for the slight tale being related - and a bit refreshing for leaving viewers with a couple questions as it concludes. There are no thrills or suspense, yet we get plentiful intense drama in these 28 minutes, and 'Lyckantropen' is duly engrossing as it develops. This may not be the type of picture that all viewers will necessarily appreciate, but for my part, I'm very glad to have belatedly check it out after having first heard of it long ago. For that matter, I wouldn't mind watching it again - and I suppose that says as much as anything could.

I originally bought this due to the fact that I am a fan of the Norwegian band Ulver. Their appearance here as score writers makes sense in several ways. First: for a movie that was as low budget as this one, they were affordable. Second: They're one the few bands I know of that have come out of the Norwegian black metal community as sincere musical artists. Third: (just for fun) Ulver means Wolf in English as Lycantropen in a sense means werewolf, to those who did not know.

The movie follows a small family in Norway that go through a family crisis. I don't much want to say more because to do so would be to explain the whole short.

Throughout, the three actors all do well, the little girl is both adorable and wonderful to watch as an actress. The subtly add a wonderful tension to the film not experienced in the vast majority of full-length thrillers while the music add a quiet ambiance that enhances this mood. Careful attention was obviously spent on color themes and set placements because nothing looks like it was placed there accidentally. The Cinematography is beautiful throughout the film and the lighting is very effective. For a small budget it seemed that the production values were very high.

The only flaw that I found would be the end. This is due to the disruption of the subtly. I could understand it for a full-length going for a sudden shock; however for a short film my belief would be that going the full course in one manner would better serve the film and the audience.

All in all this is worth seeking out. I have watched this many times without my enjoyment levels developing any drastic shifts. I'm going to watch to see what Steve Ericsson, the Swedish director, does in the future after viewing his promising debut. Recommended to all.

9.5/10