It's how a painter grow up via the journey of herself from her home to a new place. The romance part is not strong but the way of how a painter become recognize is more the focus of the story. It's quite comfortable when watching indeed. Nothing huge but just cozy.
23 Reviews
Lovely to look at
meduzahollywood6 August 2020
Very enjoyable, (as much as I hate to use the term) quirky, indie film about art, artistic growth and expression. Jenny Slate is the fish-out-of-water as she travels from Brooklyn to Norway, finding her "voice" along the way.
Not much dramatic tension or big moments but that's okay. Lovely to look at and listen to and any chance to spend time with Slate is worth it.
Not much dramatic tension or big moments but that's okay. Lovely to look at and listen to and any chance to spend time with Slate is worth it.
So many great elements, but missed the landing
toricarney-5353722 January 2021
This movie was beautiful, and Slate certainly delivered a great performance of a messy, figuring-out-life artist who makes a bold move. But the relationship they introduced, which could have been left as a wonderful stranger dynamic, totally took away from story. It felt abrupt and unnecessary, and it diminished the very real characters they had established fairly well in the first half of the film.
"The Sunlit Night": Living, Loving and Painting amidst an Oxymoron
jtncsmistad6 August 2020
There is roughly a two month stretch in late summer when the sun never fully sets on The Lofoten Islands of northern Norway. To visitors, this can be most disorienting. As it was for Frances, the character brilliantly brought to life by Jenny Slate (excellent also in 2014's underrecognized "Obvious Child") in the enchanting new dramedy "The Sunlit Night".
I was particularly drawn to this unusual tale of a New York painter (Slate) who accepts a job assisting an iconic but fading Norwegian artist attempting to resuscitate his career by painting a barn yellow (I said it was unusual). My dear dad is Norwegian-born and has been to The Lofotens many times.
As Frances journeys through this Scandinavian Odyssey by the sea she encounters a tourist village of modern-day Vikings (Zac Galifianakis is hilarious as a horde leader), a nude portrait model she recruits from a local grocery store and a young guy/love interest in the throes of family turmoil. That's a lot to process, no matter where you are. And it all manages to come together in a most delicious smorgasbord (I know, I know, that's Swedish) of stunning scenery, simulated swordplay and self-discovery.
The only thing missing was the lutefisk. But then again, to most not indigenous to "The Land of The Midnight Sun", that's a good thing.
Tuller Norge! Uff da!
I was particularly drawn to this unusual tale of a New York painter (Slate) who accepts a job assisting an iconic but fading Norwegian artist attempting to resuscitate his career by painting a barn yellow (I said it was unusual). My dear dad is Norwegian-born and has been to The Lofotens many times.
As Frances journeys through this Scandinavian Odyssey by the sea she encounters a tourist village of modern-day Vikings (Zac Galifianakis is hilarious as a horde leader), a nude portrait model she recruits from a local grocery store and a young guy/love interest in the throes of family turmoil. That's a lot to process, no matter where you are. And it all manages to come together in a most delicious smorgasbord (I know, I know, that's Swedish) of stunning scenery, simulated swordplay and self-discovery.
The only thing missing was the lutefisk. But then again, to most not indigenous to "The Land of The Midnight Sun", that's a good thing.
Tuller Norge! Uff da!
don't let the sun go down on me
ferguson-616 July 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. The journey to find one's self is not unique to artists, but for some reason, it's more cinematically appealing when an artist is involved. In this quirky film from director David Wnendt, with a screenplay Rebecca Dinerstein Knight adapted from her own novel, artists (of varying types) are everywhere. Of course finding one's self usually involves making peace with this quagmire we call life.
Frances (Jenny Slate, OBVIOUS CHILD, 2014) watches as three snooty art critics denigrate her latest work to the point of humiliation. Her long-time boyfriend dumps her, and she returns home to her parents, both artists. Instead of sympathy from the family, she's bombarded with news that her sister Gaby (Elise Kilbler) is engaged to a man her father loathes, and to top off the family dinner, her parents (Jessica Hecht, David Paymer) announce they are separating. Rather than deal with any of this head-on, Frances accepts an apprenticeship with an artist in north Norway. "Norway, Norway". Where the sun never sets.
Nils (Fridtjov Saheim) is the personality opposite to talkative, upbeat Frances. He grumps around while escorting her to the trailer she'll stay in for the summer. The project, seemingly uninspiring, is to paint a local dilapidated barn yellow - inside and out. Nils is under a tight deadline to finish the barn so it (and he) can earn a spot on the map of cultural sites. Close by is a Viking museum and community, where the folks, led by their Chief (Zach Galifianakis), re-create Viking life for tourists (or mostly themselves).
One day Yasha (Alex Sharp, HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES, 2017) shows up. He's arranging a ceremonial Viking funeral for his beloved father (Olek Krupa). Father and son worked together daily in their bakery and developed a close bond. Sasha's mother (Gillian Anderson), who left them years ago, unexpectedly shows up for the funeral, hoping to lure him to live with her. Frances compares everyone she meets to subjects in famous works of art. It's her way of connecting art to the real world, as well as helping her find a place for people in her world of art. Frances and Yasha are drawn together in their search for direction and meaning, and we are led to believe this connection, no matter how brief or random their crossing of paths might be, helps her in her personal quest.
The cinematography from Martin Ahlgren captures this rarely seen top-of-the-world wonderland, and the landscape is truly something to behold. Ms. Slate is once again top notch in her role. She's likable and relatable, traits some actors struggle with, but which apparently come natural to her. And while we expect lives to be messy and complicated, we hope for a bit more from our movies. Frances' home life is drawn straight out of a TV sitcom, and the whole Viking village never really makes sense. It seems Frances is short-changed on all of her relationships here, yet the trip still manages to help her discover something in her art. And that's just about how life works - really messy right up until something clicks, and then back to messy.
Frances (Jenny Slate, OBVIOUS CHILD, 2014) watches as three snooty art critics denigrate her latest work to the point of humiliation. Her long-time boyfriend dumps her, and she returns home to her parents, both artists. Instead of sympathy from the family, she's bombarded with news that her sister Gaby (Elise Kilbler) is engaged to a man her father loathes, and to top off the family dinner, her parents (Jessica Hecht, David Paymer) announce they are separating. Rather than deal with any of this head-on, Frances accepts an apprenticeship with an artist in north Norway. "Norway, Norway". Where the sun never sets.
Nils (Fridtjov Saheim) is the personality opposite to talkative, upbeat Frances. He grumps around while escorting her to the trailer she'll stay in for the summer. The project, seemingly uninspiring, is to paint a local dilapidated barn yellow - inside and out. Nils is under a tight deadline to finish the barn so it (and he) can earn a spot on the map of cultural sites. Close by is a Viking museum and community, where the folks, led by their Chief (Zach Galifianakis), re-create Viking life for tourists (or mostly themselves).
One day Yasha (Alex Sharp, HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES, 2017) shows up. He's arranging a ceremonial Viking funeral for his beloved father (Olek Krupa). Father and son worked together daily in their bakery and developed a close bond. Sasha's mother (Gillian Anderson), who left them years ago, unexpectedly shows up for the funeral, hoping to lure him to live with her. Frances compares everyone she meets to subjects in famous works of art. It's her way of connecting art to the real world, as well as helping her find a place for people in her world of art. Frances and Yasha are drawn together in their search for direction and meaning, and we are led to believe this connection, no matter how brief or random their crossing of paths might be, helps her in her personal quest.
The cinematography from Martin Ahlgren captures this rarely seen top-of-the-world wonderland, and the landscape is truly something to behold. Ms. Slate is once again top notch in her role. She's likable and relatable, traits some actors struggle with, but which apparently come natural to her. And while we expect lives to be messy and complicated, we hope for a bit more from our movies. Frances' home life is drawn straight out of a TV sitcom, and the whole Viking village never really makes sense. It seems Frances is short-changed on all of her relationships here, yet the trip still manages to help her discover something in her art. And that's just about how life works - really messy right up until something clicks, and then back to messy.
Did I reach where I had to?
tanujpoddar27 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Sunlit Night is about a journey of an aspiring artist to the northern edge of the world where the sun never sets, even at night (during the summer months she visits).
The movie starts with an young artist Frances's work being ridiculed by three pompous critics. In the next few scenes, we see her whole life being thrown into a disarray. As she questions her future as an artist, her boyfriend dumps her. When she visits her parents home (which doesn't have much space for her and her sister), she finds out that her sister is getting married and her parents are splitting up. Also, the artist residency she was applying for has been rejected. Thus, she is has no place to stay (except for sharing an airbed with her dad in his cramped up studio). Her agent tells her that there is an opportunity to be an assistant to an artist in oblivion (she even assumed he was dead) in Norway. With nowhere else to go, she decides to take up the opportunity.
She makes the journey to Lofoten to meet the artist Nils Auermann, an artist whose work hasn't received much acclaim and he now leads a secluded life in a fish-factory converted into a place where he lives alone. He is trying make his mark by painting a whole barn yellow and get it recognized as one of the highlighted piece of art in Norway. He has a month to complete the work and it would be then inspected by the Norwegian Art Institute. He brushes of all the attempts by Frances to create a connect and tells her that there is long hours of hard work ahead of her in the coming days as this project is very important to him. Over a period of time he realizes her effort is helping him meet the deadline and despite a having very different personalities, they compliment each other well.
The barn is in a modern viking village which has a viking museum and a viking community that try to live a traditional viking life. Frances tries to explore this community and ends up meeting Yasha, a baker from US who is here for his father's burial (who wished for a traditional viking burial). As she spends the moment where he comes to term with the grief of losing his father, she realizes the how a painting captures such a strong emotion, something she has never painted.
The work at the barn is done and she is working alone at the barn the night before inspection. Yasha comes over to tell her that he is leaving the next day. They end up having a passionate night and are lying there naked when the folks from the institute come in for inspection.
Frances realizing how she messed it all up for Nils, flees from the scene and then leaves for back home without meeting Nils. When back home, she gets a mail from Nils informing her that the barn has been accepted and releases her of her guilt. In a turn of events, her parents too decide not to split.
The movie ends with her showing some paintings she did while she was in Norway, to the same critics, who now think she is making progress. As she tries to summarize her experience in Norway, she contemplates if she was running away from her life, was she running towards it, did she mess up or did she make most of it or if she got where she needed to go? She is not sure what to make of it.
The movie was beautifully pictured, capturing some wonderful landscape and the music was complimenting well and the acting was reasonably good. The screenplay was adapted from a novel and didn't do justice to the story, probably providing too little a context for viewers to associate with. It looked patchy in places as one couldn't associate why some plots were shown in much detail and other weren't explored enough, especially the relationship that Frances has with Nils and Yasha were not sufficiently developed. It's aesthetically beautiful to watch and has the heart in the right place. Just wish the screenplay was a bit more comprehensive.
The movie starts with an young artist Frances's work being ridiculed by three pompous critics. In the next few scenes, we see her whole life being thrown into a disarray. As she questions her future as an artist, her boyfriend dumps her. When she visits her parents home (which doesn't have much space for her and her sister), she finds out that her sister is getting married and her parents are splitting up. Also, the artist residency she was applying for has been rejected. Thus, she is has no place to stay (except for sharing an airbed with her dad in his cramped up studio). Her agent tells her that there is an opportunity to be an assistant to an artist in oblivion (she even assumed he was dead) in Norway. With nowhere else to go, she decides to take up the opportunity.
She makes the journey to Lofoten to meet the artist Nils Auermann, an artist whose work hasn't received much acclaim and he now leads a secluded life in a fish-factory converted into a place where he lives alone. He is trying make his mark by painting a whole barn yellow and get it recognized as one of the highlighted piece of art in Norway. He has a month to complete the work and it would be then inspected by the Norwegian Art Institute. He brushes of all the attempts by Frances to create a connect and tells her that there is long hours of hard work ahead of her in the coming days as this project is very important to him. Over a period of time he realizes her effort is helping him meet the deadline and despite a having very different personalities, they compliment each other well.
The barn is in a modern viking village which has a viking museum and a viking community that try to live a traditional viking life. Frances tries to explore this community and ends up meeting Yasha, a baker from US who is here for his father's burial (who wished for a traditional viking burial). As she spends the moment where he comes to term with the grief of losing his father, she realizes the how a painting captures such a strong emotion, something she has never painted.
The work at the barn is done and she is working alone at the barn the night before inspection. Yasha comes over to tell her that he is leaving the next day. They end up having a passionate night and are lying there naked when the folks from the institute come in for inspection.
Frances realizing how she messed it all up for Nils, flees from the scene and then leaves for back home without meeting Nils. When back home, she gets a mail from Nils informing her that the barn has been accepted and releases her of her guilt. In a turn of events, her parents too decide not to split.
The movie ends with her showing some paintings she did while she was in Norway, to the same critics, who now think she is making progress. As she tries to summarize her experience in Norway, she contemplates if she was running away from her life, was she running towards it, did she mess up or did she make most of it or if she got where she needed to go? She is not sure what to make of it.
The movie was beautifully pictured, capturing some wonderful landscape and the music was complimenting well and the acting was reasonably good. The screenplay was adapted from a novel and didn't do justice to the story, probably providing too little a context for viewers to associate with. It looked patchy in places as one couldn't associate why some plots were shown in much detail and other weren't explored enough, especially the relationship that Frances has with Nils and Yasha were not sufficiently developed. It's aesthetically beautiful to watch and has the heart in the right place. Just wish the screenplay was a bit more comprehensive.
Aspiring artist goes to Norway for a summer internship.
TxMike5 April 2023
This is a Jenny Slate project, she is Producer and stars as Frances. She was 36 or 37 when this was filmed so we will go with that age for her character. Her mother and father are both artists of different kinds, in Manhattan. She is trying her hand at art and as the movie opens three art critics are examining one of her colorful abstract paintings. They are not impressed, perhaps the translation is "Go find some other career."
Then in quick succession she finds out her younger sister is getting married and her parents are splitting up. She needs to change her life, she needs to get away from her familiar things and places. She accepts a summer internship in a secluded place in northern Norway, in Lofoten where the sun never sets in summer. She will work for a well-known artist. When she gets there she finds they will be painting a barn and she will live in a small trailer at water's edge. With a young goat!
The movie is about that summer. Slate is good in the role and the movie is suitably quirky. There is nudity, but not erotic nudity. It all fits very well. The cinematography is excellent, making good use of the natural beauty of the area. The summer is difficult in many ways but overall very useful for Frances, she has a new perspective on her life and her art takes a new direction.
At home, streaming on Amazon Prime.
Then in quick succession she finds out her younger sister is getting married and her parents are splitting up. She needs to change her life, she needs to get away from her familiar things and places. She accepts a summer internship in a secluded place in northern Norway, in Lofoten where the sun never sets in summer. She will work for a well-known artist. When she gets there she finds they will be painting a barn and she will live in a small trailer at water's edge. With a young goat!
The movie is about that summer. Slate is good in the role and the movie is suitably quirky. There is nudity, but not erotic nudity. It all fits very well. The cinematography is excellent, making good use of the natural beauty of the area. The summer is difficult in many ways but overall very useful for Frances, she has a new perspective on her life and her art takes a new direction.
At home, streaming on Amazon Prime.
Unexpected and charming
hugh-33-5800916 July 2022
A simple story enlivened with humor and pathos. Excellent cast. Jenny Slate deserves more roles like this. Understated and thoughtful. Zack G's comic role is probably unnecessary but does deliver some nice laughs. Enjoyable and engaging.
Like watching paint dry
semmian-9334520 June 2021
It's all in the perspective
thejdrage26 November 2021
This film, like all art, is in the perspective, and there is so much of it in this great little film. Characters you care about - one way or the other. People you know. Humor. Disappointment - in yourself and others. Some things in it sneak up on you. The one main art piece at the top of the world took my breath away! WOW! Watching the completion of "It" was worth watching the whole film. Now I want one. It's quiet. It's subtle. It's smart. Enjoy!
Painful to watch.
Jonteboi_Vlab4 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Seems like you have to either know or be friends with some of these actors. A great movie that your friends made.. but something that outsiders should watch? Why. Horrible. Lofoten Norways beautiful scenery and maybe a smirk from seeing zachs (just a cameo), but a complete waste of time.
Doesn't connect with me
Gordon-112 August 2020
The internationally acclaimed blockbuster you've heard about
bregund29 April 2024
Just kidding. Someone with a few million dollars to spend hooked up with someone else wanting to spend those dollars and the result is this unimaginatively-named film. I'm paraphrasing here, but when the young gentlemen walks in to see every color of the rainbow haphazardly splashed across walls, columns, floors, and roofs, he flatters her by saying what every young man says to every young woman painter: "you really have an eye for color". Look I wasn't born cynical I was made this way, thanks to films like this which have an implied contract with the viewer: BE ENTERTAINING. When this contractual obligation isn't fulfilled, you the viewer are left wanting, so maybe you've become cynical like me. If so, you won't enjoy this lazy attempt at filmmaking which inexplicably received several ten-star reviews on this website. Ten stars? Really? Who are you people who are so easily entertained?
All in the Adaptation
Moviegoer199 August 2020
Reading during the post-film credits that the film was based on a novel, I was not surprised. It had that feeling of abbreviation, i.e., that the various elements of the story were taken from the novel and thrown together to make a cohesive film. I enjoyed the film a lot, however, I think there could have been both more, and less. More in terms of a deepening of the relationship between the main character, Fran, and Yakov, the guy who winds up being in the same remote location in Northern Norway. Less in terms of the whole Viking piece in which Zach G. is an American playing at being a Viking King or some such thing. Then there was Fran's relationship with the painter she worked for which was not developed, and then the model who sat for her. The film was perhaps too short. But as I've said, I liked it a lot. I like Jenny Slate, and the scenery was quite spectacular.
Just go with it!
SDFilmJunkie14 March 2021
I found this film best to just flow with. Don't worry so much about motives and where it's going. The film itself is a work of art, like the art projects in the film... getting worked out, part of something larger, of people, of place, of journeys. Beautiful!!
Life of an artist
hmpflower25 March 2022
This film really captured what it feels like to be an artist. The precarious balance between living your life and being inspired to create. Loved the subtle humor and beautiful scenery. Sometimes there is a magic in getting out of your normal routine and going somewhere exotic where life can surprise you. Enjoyed the use of paintings to describe how the main character was feeling. Being an artist myself and having sat through a lot of art history classes it was entertaining to see that knowledge used to explain everyday life. Thank you for making this film! Can't wait to read the book by Rebecca Dinerstein knight that the movie is based from.
Warm, pleasant, entertaining
I_Ailurophile25 March 2023
Since at least the early 2000s I'm pretty sure "indie comedy-drama" has been its own distinct genre. Wry, low-key humor, quirky situational comedy and dialogue, a charming and disaffected protagonist who is maybe a bit of a mess; a beautiful setting, loose and somewhat personal cinematography, and soft, blithely pleasant music: broadly speaking, we've seen this movie before. That doesn't mean a new indie comedy-drama can't be just as worthwhile, though, and from the start 'The sunlit night' is a playful delight. Moreover, don't take my summary to be dismissive, because the film earns solid laughs right away and consistently; Jenny Slate is a perpetual joy anywhere she appears, and certainly that's the case here as she portrays Frances. The Norwegian landscapes are utterly breathtaking; Martin Ahlgren's cinematography is smart and vivid, and Enis Rotthoff's original music is earnestly enjoyable. The production design at large is splendid, and the art direction is altogether dazzling. Honestly, I think this is fantastic!
Rebecca Dinerstein Knight, adapting her own novel, has crafted a screenplay of fabulous wit, heart, and outright silliness, employing all these in turn. The story is familiar in vague terms, but meaningfully engaging and even impactful as Frances searches for herself; the dialogue and scene writing are unexpectedly rich and thoughtful. Perhaps most notably, she has penned wonderfully weird, varied characters - figures whose eccentricity is the real core of the feature, but which belies sincere humanity and complexity. 'The sunlit night' is a little odd and offbeat, but warm and bighearted, and far more vibrant and substantial than I assumed from the outside looking in. Additional small touches peppered throughout, demonstrating how Frances connects to the world through art, a clever and maybe even a little inspired. With so strong a foundation, and such able craftsmanship, filmmaker David Wnendt shapes the picture with gratifying intelligence and mindfulness, making it as easy to watch as one could hope any film to be.
All this is rounded out, not least, with a terrific cast who unreservedly embrace the curious amalgamation of moods. Slate may be a relatively fresh face in cinema, but she proves her capability and versatility again and again with every role she takes on, and I can't wait to see still more from her in the years to come. Recognizable names and faces like Gillian Anderson, Zach Galifianakis, David Paymer, and Jessica Hecht are a glad sight, and this is no less true of less renowned actors like Alex Sharp or Fridtjov Saheim. If I have any particular criticisms, it might be that there are a couple moments in the latter half that are a bit heavy-handed in their awkwardness, somewhat exceeding the tone that this otherwise adopts. Everything is part and parcel of the tale being told, but in these instances the movie feels extra noticeably common, as if to say "Oh. I guess we're doing that after all." Then again, if this is the worst that I have to say about 'The sunlit night,' then I'd wager it's done pretty well for itself.
It may not be so abjectly special as to demand viewership, unless perhaps one is a huge fan of someone involved or a connoisseur of the genre. But even if it's not a total must-see, by all means this is all-around excellent. In its writing, direction, acting, and all other ways, it's a small breath of fresh air, and a sweet, satisfying good time. Don't necessarily feel like you need to go out of your way for 'The sunlit night,' but if you do have the chance to watch, it's a heartfelt, entertaining way to spend 82 minutes, and well worth checking out.
Rebecca Dinerstein Knight, adapting her own novel, has crafted a screenplay of fabulous wit, heart, and outright silliness, employing all these in turn. The story is familiar in vague terms, but meaningfully engaging and even impactful as Frances searches for herself; the dialogue and scene writing are unexpectedly rich and thoughtful. Perhaps most notably, she has penned wonderfully weird, varied characters - figures whose eccentricity is the real core of the feature, but which belies sincere humanity and complexity. 'The sunlit night' is a little odd and offbeat, but warm and bighearted, and far more vibrant and substantial than I assumed from the outside looking in. Additional small touches peppered throughout, demonstrating how Frances connects to the world through art, a clever and maybe even a little inspired. With so strong a foundation, and such able craftsmanship, filmmaker David Wnendt shapes the picture with gratifying intelligence and mindfulness, making it as easy to watch as one could hope any film to be.
All this is rounded out, not least, with a terrific cast who unreservedly embrace the curious amalgamation of moods. Slate may be a relatively fresh face in cinema, but she proves her capability and versatility again and again with every role she takes on, and I can't wait to see still more from her in the years to come. Recognizable names and faces like Gillian Anderson, Zach Galifianakis, David Paymer, and Jessica Hecht are a glad sight, and this is no less true of less renowned actors like Alex Sharp or Fridtjov Saheim. If I have any particular criticisms, it might be that there are a couple moments in the latter half that are a bit heavy-handed in their awkwardness, somewhat exceeding the tone that this otherwise adopts. Everything is part and parcel of the tale being told, but in these instances the movie feels extra noticeably common, as if to say "Oh. I guess we're doing that after all." Then again, if this is the worst that I have to say about 'The sunlit night,' then I'd wager it's done pretty well for itself.
It may not be so abjectly special as to demand viewership, unless perhaps one is a huge fan of someone involved or a connoisseur of the genre. But even if it's not a total must-see, by all means this is all-around excellent. In its writing, direction, acting, and all other ways, it's a small breath of fresh air, and a sweet, satisfying good time. Don't necessarily feel like you need to go out of your way for 'The sunlit night,' but if you do have the chance to watch, it's a heartfelt, entertaining way to spend 82 minutes, and well worth checking out.
Complementary oxymorons
CutUncut202120 February 2021
Soothing, quiet retreat into another world surprisingly not cramped despite the American/NY angle (at the funeral the flautist reminds those attending that he's the only Norwegian present). Or perhaps that counterpoint lies in the oxymoron of the title: bustling calm, frenetic stasis. The lack of glamour is a balm. As surnames, Sharp and Slate obliquely fall into the complementary colours blue/yellow at the basis of Wnendt and Nils's art, and they are so lovely together. Refreshingly understated. One of the ironies is that the New York our protagonists hail from extends daytime by artificial means, never sleeping. Here in Norway the sun never sleeps, and it is day all night. The ubiquitous yellows of Van Gogh are a tad cliché but the idea works, again because yellow complements the grey-green hue of the world outside the barn. Wonderful the goat usurping her home as pet, and the supermarket clerk as Fran's model, who aptly states how she love trolls: strong and independent like herself. If you want an equally quirky Norwegian take on trolls, hunt down Trolljegeren (2010, The Troll Hunters), a modest self-parody of national humour oddly billed as "drama fantasy horror" probably to garner a young audience. It's anything but.
Warms a yellow in this magical film
megbyoung25 April 2021
Awesome movie
annieonu27 July 2020
A beautiful hidden gem that should be seen by all Cinephiles
josborn513619 July 2021
What an adventure that was, this was one of the most beautiful movies I've seen in a long time, so subtle, so beautiful, so yellow. I absolutely love the performances of Jenny Slade and the other cast of characters, especially her father. This movie takes you on a beautiful Norwegian journey of art, love, loneliness, and beauty. The plot is substantive and highly enjoyable, unlike the typical trope many of today's movies. This was truly an original gym. Again, if you're a cinephile or you like subtle movies, and this is when you absolutely must see.
The Journey of the Artist
dbowkerD1 December 2022
I have a feeling that this movie suffered from a difficulty in "finding" its audience, which was almost certainly those who are artists. It could approached and appreciated by others for sure, but for this film basically assumes you have at the least a passing interest in art, and a decent knowledge of art history. Without them, I don't see there being a lot for the viewer to latch onto except for the beautiful scenery, though I suppose the theme of "finding yourself" is fairly universal... But don't go in looking for broad comedy or warm and fuzzy romance or you will most certainly not find one. I however was very much drawn in and felt it to be a warm and honest portrayal of an artist searching for her path.
The trailers may present this as a sort of quirky rom-com, but it's really not, which is a strength in my opinion. But if that's what one went in expecting, I could see some disappointment. This is much more about Art, being a painter, perhaps being a Jewish painter who's a woman, and commitment to all of the above. Notice that list did NOT include love, romance or finding the "right one." I think we've had quite enough of those already anyway, and Jenny Slate does an excellent job in inhabiting her character in a natural and organic manner.
That said, it IS often funny, with snappy dialog when the scene calls for it, and more subdued when appropriate. Plenty of sections have little dialog at all except for some internal commentary coming from Slate's character.
Lastly, it's a visually beautiful film to look at, with gorgeous scenery and naturalistic lighting.
The trailers may present this as a sort of quirky rom-com, but it's really not, which is a strength in my opinion. But if that's what one went in expecting, I could see some disappointment. This is much more about Art, being a painter, perhaps being a Jewish painter who's a woman, and commitment to all of the above. Notice that list did NOT include love, romance or finding the "right one." I think we've had quite enough of those already anyway, and Jenny Slate does an excellent job in inhabiting her character in a natural and organic manner.
That said, it IS often funny, with snappy dialog when the scene calls for it, and more subdued when appropriate. Plenty of sections have little dialog at all except for some internal commentary coming from Slate's character.
Lastly, it's a visually beautiful film to look at, with gorgeous scenery and naturalistic lighting.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
