THE TRIP

I love Scandinavian movies. When our friends from the European North are not busy delivering the next Scandisaster movie (i.e. THE WAVE, THE QUAKE, THE UNTHINKABLE, and the upcoming THE NORTH SEA), they produce smaller films with such an outrageous dry and dark humor that even their Barn Elves choke on it. Veteran genre producer Kjetil Omberg (DEAD SNOW, PILGRIMAGE) unites actors Noomi Rapace and Aksel Hennie under the helm of well-known genre director Tommy Wirkola (DEAD SNOW, HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER) for this tale of twists with twists. It’s really difficult to say more about the story than what’s already in the logline, because it would spoil the film. And definitely avoid Googling the title.

You only really need to know that Rapace and Hennie deliver amazing performances as a dysfunctional couple trying to mend their relationship while at their lakehouse, and that nothing that has been planned ( including the husband’s scheme to eliminate his wife) goes as intended. And make sure to remember the name Atle Antonsen, who is a brute of a performer. So pour yourself some Akvavit, swallow some lutefisk, and lay back, relax and enjoy THE TRIP into the Norwegian woods. (ANNICK MAHNERT)