MovieChat Forums > Thale (2012) Discussion > A Little Surprise Film

A Little Surprise Film

posted 10 years ago by richard-III
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The bit I had read about this film got me interested, with low expectation. The film I saw surprised me with its fine atmosphere.

Firstly, I loved the wonderful music. It was dreamy and connected well with the too-close-for-comfort camerawork, giving us audience a little tension.

Secondly, I know nothing about Norwegian folklore. So when the film started I first thought it was about a murderer, then about a fairy with bloodlust. To me it was a nice surprise to see subtleties in the story, with loose ends not because of them, but because the guys in the film didn't know what had happened exactly. And they were not talkative men anyway.
I was somewhat afraid that it would turn into a supernatural slasher in the end, luckily the screenplay did not stray from its chosen path.

Thirdly, Silje Reinåmo was well cast as the fascinating Thale. She was a tale of the unexpected all by herself.

A nice little film; if Norway comes up with more like these, count me in on the ride.

"I don't discriminate between entertainment
and arthouse. A film is a goddam film."

[–] drakkar 10 years ago

The film has a twist on Norwegian folklore, in that Huldra (Wood Nymphs) are real.
In the folklore, Huldra is an entity/deity governing nature, vicious when crossed, helpful when aided. In the film, she cures Leo's (terminal) cancer and "repairs" Elvis' family.

A nice little film; if Norway comes up with more like these, count me in on the ride.

Have you seen Trollhunter? Same thing - trolls are real - only this is a comedy making fun with/of Norwegian society/politics.

In Cod we trust.