‘Force Majeure’ an engaging study of disaster, family

  • By Robert Horton Herald Movie Critic
  • Wednesday, November 19, 2014 5:28pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

In the opening scene of “Force Majeure,” a family poses for a resort photographer as they begin their skiing vacation in the Alps. Everybody acts happy, and the pictures look really cute.

From that point on, this movie does everything in its power to ruin that image. But this Swedish film isn’t predictable about how it does this — instead, it sneaks up on you with off-kilter humor and tense, carefully calibrated conversations.

At the crux of the film is an incident. The members of the family — husband Tomas (Johannes Bah Kuhnke), wife Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli), and their two young children — are pausing in their winter getaway for lunch outdoors at the ski lodge. The resort conducts controlled avalanches, which explains the booming sound that reverberates day and night.

Except this avalanche starts heading for the lodge, and the people on the lunch deck panic. Tomas grabs his smart phone (he’s going to pay for that later) and runs indoors, leaving the wife and kids to fend for themselves.

When the avalanche proves to be an alarming but harmless cloud of snow-dust, he sheepishly returns. But there are some long silences, burning glances, and drunken accusations waiting in the next few days. Two friends, visiting the family, join in the fun.

Writer-director Ruben Ostlund’s conception of the movie is ingenious. He keeps a certain Scandinavian distance from most scenes, even when people are breaking down in sobs or conducting full-volume arguments. That distance is where the dry humor comes out of the situation.

The film also looks and sounds impeccable. Yes, sounds: the odd humming noises and persistent rumbling of the avalanche detonations are like the strains in the marriage made audible.

The effect of the avalanche, and Tomas’ refusal to acknowledge his terror, seem to have devastating effects. But the interesting thing about “Force Majeure” (the movie borrows the French term that sometimes gets translated as “act of God”) is the sly suggestion that maybe this event could have a liberating effect on the family.

In the curious but wonderful final sequence, this might be what’s happening. At some point, everybody’s problems are laid bare, and there’s nothing left to do but walk on into the future.

“Force Majeure” (three and a half stars)

A slyly witty dissection of a family on vacation in the Alps: After a scary incident that reveals character issues, a string of burning glances and drunken accusations ensue. This film by director Ruben Ostlund feels very original, and it’s beautifully filmed. In Swedish, with English subtitles.

Rating: R, for nudity, language

Showing: Seven Gables

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.