No. 63 (2021) BEWARE OF CHILDREN (BARN) Palace; Scandinavian Film Festival AUGUST 3rd.

 

Film No. 63 (2021)  August 3rd.  11:00 AM.  Cinema 2  LUNA SX Fremantle.

"We are talking about a thirteen year old girl, who accidently caused someone's death." (Liz tries to bring her staff to think realistically about how Lykke should be treated).

BARN highlights new techniques in film making, mainly because it plays as a theatrical drama, but its characters are written specifically for screen. I was a teacher in another life. I was rivetted to the subject matter here. Many, I fear, may find the 157 min run time a little wearing.

Norwegian novelist/director Dag Johan Haugerud writes a layered story sparked by a sliding door moment where an innocuous incident in a school yard leads to a child's death. From here we live in the pockets of people most affected by the incident, but mainly with the school's principal, Liv (Henriette Steenstrup), after all, it is she who will need to juggle most emotional balls in this dialogue driven morality play. It's an effective perspective to pursue.

Haugerud has great interest in his fellow country person's (Norwegian) psyche. His observations of everyday people facing testing situations, either domestically or in a work setting, gives him a springboard into his art. He was once a mild mannered librarian. After watching BARN, I believe his observational notes on human behaviour must be extensive. 

Liv is a socialist who cares for those she leads. She keeps secret her relationship with right winged Per Erik (Thorbjorn Harr). But when the victim is Erik's son she is torn between head and heart decisions. She and her family have strong roots in this suburban community. Liv's brother, Anders (Jan Gunnar Roise) is on her staff. He should have been on duty when, and where, the incident took place. 

There is nothing sinister about any of the drama. 13 year old Lykke (Ella Overbye) has to live with the impulsive movement she made which caused the tragedy. Something happened, people become embroiled as the repercussions for that moment are played out. Some may find that the film's  run-time wearing. Not so for me! 9GUMS.