La Sœur des neiges

When I sat down to watch the 2024 movie "Snøsøsteren" (aka "The Snow Sister"), it was part of my December movie marathon of Christmas movies. Yup, I had never heard about the movie, prior to watching it, so I literally had no idea what I was in for here.

Right, well I was not prepared for what writers Lisa Aisato, Maja Lunde and Siv Rajendram Eliassen delivered, as I thought I was in for a traditional cheerful Christmas movie. In fact, "Snøsøsteren" was quite the opposite, as it is a very moody, gloomy and sort of sad movie. Not that it is a bad thing, because the storyline is very well-written and well-told, and it is definitely a memorable one and one that will stick with you.

The acting performances in the movie are good, and the two young leading performers Mudit Gupta (playing Julian) and Celina Meyer Hovland (playing Hedwig) really put on great performances and carried the movie quite well.

Don't sit down to watch "Snøsøsteren" and hoping to be in for a cheerful Christmas movie, as I did, because you might be sorely disappointed.

That being said, then I will say, that this is most certainly a movie that is well-worth spending 97 minutes on watching. Though it is hardly a movie that will become a Christmas movie.

My rating of director Cecilie A. Mosli's 2024 movie "Snøsøsteren" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Wasn't sure when we started watching if this was just yet another mediocre film churned out for the Christmas period. Admittedly, it started off pretty average but quickly got better and better and surprised with its emotion and depth. Stunning Norwegian winter snowy landscapes and beautiful Christmas scenes to get you in the seasonal holiday mood. Highly recommend watching this lovely, uplifting and emotional gem of a Christmas film. Not heavy, sad at times, but ultimately a happy, uplifting message. All ages will enjoy except very young children. Loved it! 10 out of 10! Surprisingly good film!

I am so grateful for this story and the the beautiful telling of it that is carried out by the cast and beautiful set contained in this movie. This is not your average Christmas story. It is tender and reaches into grief spaces where many stories cannot get to, the idea of the winter nest is so touching and beautiful, and the amazing snow statue will haunt me forever. I'm grateful for the people who assembled to tell this tale, thank you. The filming is beautiful. The narrative is haunting in a good way, the actors are well cast, and the setting in a fjord is spectacular. Thank you for the story.

The Snow Sister begins with deep emotional tugs. You can feel the sadness in the characters. The actors do a great job conveying the grief and melancholy that consumes them, in spite being surrounded by a wonderful holiday background. The contrast that Julian finds in meeting Hedwig is perfectly warm and comforting. There is just enough disconnect in Julian that shows he's dealing with deep loss and loneliness. Hedwig inspires him to smile and open up to the joy of the season, as well as a new budding friendship. Both of these young actors were perfect. I was so moved by their display of emotions. The setting was also picture perfect. I felt the chill of the Nordic winter, but was warmed by the quaint village scenes plotted with old Norse and Germanic charm. As well as, Christmas decor and classic Yule festives.

As the story moves forward and the friendship between the two central characters(Julian and Hedwig) grows , it's filled with those innocent pure moments of youth. You start to feel the importance of this connection and how these two young beings were brought together on some other spiritual level. Slowly, bits are revealed and the depth of each of their characters is given light. Hedwig in her boisterous joyful nature and Julian in his guarded sullen sweetness. The delivery of small details to allow the viewer to build on what they suspect is behind these characters and their struggle, is well done. There is a great variance of light/dark throughout the film. Playing perfectly with all the characters and their interactions.

One may have the opinion this is a child's movie. In many aspects it is, but so much deeper. The central characters are children and the adults have limited supporting roles. The adult actors did a fantastic job, emanating the emotional theme of the story. Although , ultimately it's the children in the film who are developing an understanding of the importance of life and joy, no matter what losses are handed to us. I feel the reason Julian is able to connect with Hedwig is because of this youthful energy and openness. The adults are in deep dreary. The children are sad, but are able to find the inspiration and light which culminates into a very moving resolution for all of the characters.

This film, in my opinion is perfectly executed. It is a great reminder of the human spirit...both the physical and non-physical. It's a cathartic experience, dealing with loss, frienship, family and reconnecting with that love and jubilance that's within each and every one of us. Being celebrated amidst..which most feel.. is the merriest season of all, it's a reminder that even in our darkest times we can find joy and inspiration in each other.

First of all, allow me to review some other reviewers: If you are "not in the mood for gloomy/sad" films for christmas or that christmas movies should be cheerful, then your review here is pointless: I'm not placing a review on red paint stating I actually wanted my walls blue either. A review should be about the film, not about a mistake the viewer made.

Having said that, this movie is outstanding and diverse. The score fits the fabulous scenery and sets that were created and makes it a joy for the eyes as well as the heart.

All actors did a good job in this, but the kids in this movie have no freaking business acting so well at this age. From the main actors to their best friend and little sister, all 4 of them were great at not only portraying the emotions, but showing them as children their age would show them, the only exception being some profound wisdoms the main character obtains and explains in the film, but that is an intended deviation due to the plot of the movie. It's clear the actors got the right instructions from the director.

The story takes great artistic freedom when it comes to events happening in it, but not an inch of fantasy when it comes to the realness of the emotions portrayed. It makes for a fine balance.

This film makes me proud and thankful for the dialogue that can be held around themes like grief nowadays.