WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Necessity. It seems to be one of those concepts that always manages to find its way into our paths on a daily basis, mostly in practical application as it applies to our diurnal routines. However, as the commonly uttered phrase also indicates that it is “the mother of invention”, what if circumstances dictate we discover some rather–unconventional–means to see it work in our favor, albeit unexpectedly and perhaps not immediately for our good? It is a very dark, cold night in December and Ebba (Sigrid Kandal Husjord) finds herself desperately awaiting the arrival of the tram home. However, when it finally arrives and the situation takes a highly unforeseen and annoying turn, Ebba makes a decision that will drastically alter her evening, but possibly her life as well, forever.
Next, my Mind:
It is an exercise in a single, initial choice made, the ensuing snowball effect which manifests, and the continually building hilarity that ensues until tempered stirringly and beautifully by a socially relevant message–before a little more “wink-wink nod-nod” humor puts an exclamation point to the events. That is the genius and baseline explorations that come about through this absolutely clever, wryly witty, ultimately poignant Oscar qualifying short film effort from writer/director Eirik Tveiten along with producers Heidi Arnesen and Gaute Lid Larssen that puts the whole notion of taking matters into your own hands to quite the waggishly fun and undeniably comical magnitude while managing to add an intelligently delivered, fully unanticipated, absolutely feasible twist about prejudice and overcoming it into the mix that elevates the film above and beyond it’s already engaging purpose–to make us laugh. Plus, it has been fascinating to see films from other countries, in this case Norway, as it illustrates how film really is a universal medium.
Finding its footing through a narrative that sees a woman simply wanting to be in out of the cold turn a sour moment and, truthfully, an error in judgement into a wealth of wacky, comedy-of-errors-laden opportunity with a massive learning curve, a run-in with bullies, and a newly founded inner fortitude that leads to another’s benefit and gratitude, the smartly written and briskly paced format here works wonders, allowing us to be provided a full story while not sacrificing the consistency of giggles and heartfelt sentiment that arise throughout its runtime. Throw in thematic tangents that cover everything from merrily self-inflicted/forced problem solving to the awkwardness of confronting the unexpected to realizing the value of defending others and the subsequent satisfaction of seeing those who would bring about bigoted attitudes have their just desserts come about, it’s all played for amusement except for the one set of sequences it isn’t, but again that melds smoothly together and makes for one amazingly entertaining romp.
Additionally, as hinted at above, the effort’s finale is just plain excellent and SO appropriate to the circumstances. This critic feels that it is projects like this that are so needed, not just for the VERY essential excuse to just sit back and LAUGH in the midst of a world that feels like it’s in constant chaos on so many levels, but also because this style of cinema represents just how effective and affecting the short film genre can be. It has been a true privilege to be able to see so many of these that are up for potential Oscar nomination GET their chance to do so, because I still feel short film is somehow maligned in the greater masses of both the industry and even among mainstream filmgoers as so often it doesn’t get the exposure and distribution chances the films deserve. I very much hope this changes, because when viewing a film like this one and others, it always reminds me more of why I am thankful to have primarily engaged with the indie film world on all levels, as this format is so integral to their gaining the possible moments to shine and showcase the talents that are out there. Likewise, I am grateful to SEE upper-level directors and actors willing to tackle short film projects as well, as I think it’s a testimony to their overall dedication to the ART FORM they love.
Husjord is nothing short of incredible to me, especially as this is my first time ever witnessing this actress in action, in her portrayal of the film’s primary protagonist Ebba, a woman of particularly (and so endearingly!) diminutive stature who only wishes to get home and out of the cold after a night out. Yet, even when the tram she’s longed for finally arrives, the situation takes on a decidedly off kilter direction when it’s clear Ebba unilaterally chooses to alter the circumstances to her immediate needs, opening up a myriad of playfully embarrassing encounters and whimsical learning moments that shape her evening into quite the adventure. But, when said events take a divergence into serious, Ebba has to dig deep and end up facing her own battle with judgement and discrimination which yields a chance to not only do the right thing but teach a lesson to those behind the hate. Alternating between mainly unspoken physical humor and sporadic verbal moments, Husjord displays her adept comedic timing and understated dramatic chops awesomely.
Principal supporting roles arrive via Ola Hoemsnes Sandum as Ariel, a specific passenger that ends up on board the tram and who involuntarily runs afoul of some of the train’s less hospitable riders that also ends up getting Ebba’s attention, and Axel Barø Aasen as Allen, the instigator of troubles aboard the tram and who could be setting himself up for more than he bargained for on multiple levels. Other supporting appearances are made by Runar Koteng Frønes, Jon Vegard Hovdal, Rafat Haska, Oyvind Uhlving, Anne Haukland, Imre Ottasen, and Johan Myklebust. So, in total, “Night Ride (Nattrikken)” is another exemplary project entering the race for Oscar contention this year, doing so with its neatly crafted and sharply written narrative, indisputably winning and astutely delivered jocularity, and the benefit of carrying amidst it all a convincing and credibly effective statement about exactly how more of this world needs to be when it comes to not taking everything so seriously, BUT seriously considering the things that it SHOULD when it comes to us being more proactive at making this world a better place to live in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
