Review of Force Majeure (2014) by Foxgrove — 10 Apr 2015

The durability of a marriage due to an act of cowardice on the part of the husband is put under scrutiny in this very absorbing drama that Ingmar Bergman would have been proud of. Set against the backdrop of the ski slopes where a family (including son and daughter) are enjoying a vacation, the occurrence of an avalanche whilst the group are about to have lunch on the resort’s terrace has repercussions for the rest of the 5 day holiday. Whilst not actually reaching the party the incident is disconcerting enough to cause husband, Tomas’s instinct for self-preservation to kick in and he unceremoniously abandons his wife and kids in the ensuing panic. Recriminations, silences, breakdowns anger and tears follow as the wife, Ebba, tries to deal with her unwanted responses to the incident.

The avalanche itself is impressively staged and is one of many metaphors used in a screenplay that may not be particularly subtle in its statements, but is certainly effective in keeping clarity in the unfolding drama. The film pinpoints the fragility of relationships, and the expectations and emotional differences between men and women. A visit from Tomas’s best friend leads to a sleepless night with his girlfriend where they debate how he would have reacted in similar circumstances.

The conclusion offers some redemption for Tomas, but an ironic outcome for the friends. The film is beautifully shot and the commandingly strident music offers a very effective accompaniment to events on screen.