2014 Movie
Dir. Ruben Östlund · Denmark, France · English, French
A seemingly well-adjusted Scandinavian Family vacationing in the French Alps experiences a frightening avalanche scare near the beginning of Force Majeure, thereby unleashing a cacophony of mistrust and anxiety as their dynamic is shaken to the core. This pitch black comedy from Sweden charts the steady disintegration of the family unit and the father’s psyche in particular, as his reaction to impending death leaves his family deeply questioning his masculinity and prioritization of their well-being. The stages of blame and negotiation play out with painful honesty, holding back very little in a manner that leaves the viewer supremely uncomfortable, as if eavesdropping on a neighbor’s personal affairs. The effect is unsettling yet stunningly honest and often laugh-quietly-on-the-inside worthy in its depiction of human vulnerability. Unlike many narrative films, the “climax” comes at the beginning of Force Majeure, with the remainder of the film acting as an extended denouement in the form of a measured, Kubrickian character study.
"It is a film that makes your murmur in amazement as you watch and then brood on the dangerous corners in all our lives. It's a quiet avalanche."
— David Edelstein
"As a slow-burn melodrama, "Force Majeure" is expertly crafted."
— Eric Kohn
Cannes
1 win · 1 nom
Golden Globes
1 nom
BAFTA
1 nom
Spirit Awards
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
1 nom
European Film Awards
3 noms
Jamie Rutherford is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, with film reviews spanning a wide range of genres and eras. Their work on the site has covered titles from Behind the Candelabra to Last Days in Vietnam to Love is Strange.
A well acted, executed dark comedy. What changes can occur after an incident in the marriage, when you prioritise yourself over your family? Can it shake the whole foundation of marriage? Can it change the perspective of family member on another? The stubbornness of a man of not accepting his mistakes, the insanity that can occur in case of a not well communicating family. The straight plot that can shake morality of humans is awesome.