The Mountain – Fjellet (2011)

Directed by: Ole Giæver | 73 minutes | drama | Actors: Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Marte Magnusdotter Solem

Thirty-somethings Nora (Marte Magnusdotter Solem) and Solveig (Ellen Dorrit Petersen) walk silently, packed and slumped through the inhospitable Norwegian landscape. It soon becomes clear that the two did not start their journey wholeheartedly; something is wringing between the two women, a trauma from their past. They embarked on the journey, with the final destination at the top of a mountain, as a form of therapy. From their scant conversations we infer that the two are a couple and that Solveig is three months pregnant. What exactly happened two years ago on the top of that mountain is not immediately clear, but it is clear that it has left its mark in the lives of these two women and in their relationship.

‘The Mountain’ (2011) is the debut film by Norwegian filmmaker Ole Giæver, who previously made a handful of short films that all have a similar theme: dealing with traumatic events from the past. That theme resurfaces in his first feature film. With Nora (played by Giæver’s wife Magnusdotter Solem) and Solveig, it is clear that the drama that grips their lives has been kept silent for far too long. Nora seems to be angry with Solveig, who in her eyes can do little good: does she consider her friend responsible for what happened? Little by little, the viewer becomes a part of the sad history. Thanks to the excellent acting by both women, who manage to convey enough emotions with just one glance, you remain captivated. How does this end…? Giæver likes to zoom in a lot on the expressive faces of his lead actresses, so that we share in their drama, even though we still don’t know exactly what happened and what they blame each other.

Unfortunately, that handsome lead-up is almost completely canceled out by a weak climax. In fact you can say that ‘The Mountain’ goes out like a candle. And that while you hope for an ultimate confrontation. Unfortunately, towards the end the story rather perfunctorily bleeds to death. A shame for this otherwise fine intimate drama. Fortunately, when the end credits come along, we were able to enjoy the full 73 minutes. Not only the excellent acting by Marte Magnusdotter Solem and Ellen Dorrit Petersen, but also the starring role of the third protagonist in this tranquil film: the breathtaking Norwegian landscape with its rugged mountains and hills, sparse vegetation and unpredictable weather conditions, effectively accompanied by small and vulnerable piano playing. Because what a pleasure it is to dream away in the beautiful, impressive nature of the far north.