When a loved one dies in front of you, immediately, suddenly, and unexpectedly, the normal reaction is to freak out. Tore portrays a man, who, upon that death, turns back to his work, focusing on the logistics of the event his company is hosting. Tore’s grief isn’t the histrionics we’re used to– instead, it spurs him to seek out experiences that he’s not used to, given that he’s still living in his parents’ house at 27. This strange disconnect is compelling to watch, as the show studies the way he avoids anything related to the death, just to keep his normal demeanor, in a steady and economical way. It makes for a unique and honest depiction of grief that still packs an emotional punch.
An immature and aimless 27-year-old throws himself into an unknown world of sex, drugs and self-discovery after his closest companion's death.
27-year-old Tore is a funeral home worker still living in his parents’ house. He’s urged to grow up and start his life, but before doing so, he loses the most important person in his life, which leads him to riskier coping strategies as he tries to suppress his grief.
Grief strikes people in different ways. It’s normal to watch characters lose it in films and shows after they lose a loved one, but in this Scandinavian drama, Tore does the opposite. He immediately walks away from the death, refusing to acknowledge that it happened at all, and quickly discusses the logistics of the funeral his company was handling. He talks to people he’s acquainted with, even flirting with a new florist he’s attracted to, but when the closest friend he has tries to talk to him about it, he shuts down and refuses to respond. It’s a unique way to capture grief, and William Spetz’ composed yet empty portrayal makes it feel cathartic to viewers whose response to grief feels out of the ordinary, even contrary to the portrayals we’re familiar with.
Really intriguing, especially for avoidant people like myself.
