Movie Review - Force Majeure

Force Majeure ** (out of 5) (R) In this slow drama (mix of English and subtitles) with less levity than its publicity would indicate, we follow an attractive Swedish family during a ski vacation in the French Alps. The husband and wife seem devoted to each other and their two young children. But while lunching on a patio midway up the mountain, an avalanche seems to be heading directly towards the restaurant, sending everyone scurrying for shelter inside. The husband doesn’t react quite as nobly in the face of this perceived crisis as his wife would like, starting a bigger rift between them than the one that hurled the snow down that slope in the first place.

The concept of how instinctive actions in a fleeting moment can so profoundly affect our own psyches and our relationships is worthy of exploration. What does the reaction in one moment disclose about a person’s character - especially as a predictor for future reliability? How do people cope with the lingering aftertaste of disappointment in themselves or others?

In substance, this attempt to do so is laudable. But the film stretches about 60-70 minutes worth of plot and character development over nearly two hours, padded with lengthy silent stretches of contemplation and scenery. The result is far more mood than movement, dissipating one’s empathy with the principals. Even Ingmar Bergman, whose films traded heavily in such pacing and overtones, might have found this one tedious. The denouement chosen by writer/director Ruben Ostlund may also fail to satisfy.

Disclaimer - I screened this under distracting, less-than-ideal circumstances. The film has earned praise, including several festival awards here and abroad, so your theatrical experience of it may vary from mine. If you go, I hope that will be the case. (12/12/14)