Charter (2020) User Reviews

Amanda Kernell delivers a highly realistic depiction of divorce fight in all its ugly glory

[Sir_AmirSyarif · 7/10 · 7 November 2020]

'Charter' has a clear Scandinavian calm and methodical narrative tone with sparse dialogue. Written and directed by Amanda Kernell, the movie asks important questions about parenting and responsibility - two concepts that turn out do not always fit in the same vein. You won't find straightforward answers here, which is exactly what makes this Swedish drama so worthwhile. The acting performances are realistic and so very good, especially from Ane Dahl Torps.

Divorce drama

[dakjets · 7/10 · 5 February 2021]

A movie about a bad divorce. Depicted many times before. But here's a new twist. It is the mother who has to fight to be with the children, and not the father. Desperate to be with the children, she escapes her homeland and tries to build a good relationship with them. Ane Dahl Torp plays her mother convincingly as a mother who fights for the children's favor and love. This is a good movie, but it does not get under my skin. It depicts the strained relationship between the main characters, but lacks the depth to understand why it has become like that. Perhaps some more background information would have helped to understand how inflamed the conflict has become, and why she chooses to run away with the children. Another thing I react to is the somewhat one-dimensional portrayal of people she meets. Does no one sympathize with her as a mother? A more nuanced picture here would have helped the film's credibility. Definitely a gripping drama, which is largely saved by Torp who is as strong as the desperate mother who really never gives up.

Best intentions gone missing

[MutterCourage · 3/10 · 16 March 2020]

Even with all its best intentions, the director/writer can't manage to pull off this thought-provoking premise. In spite of its fine production and overall strong performances, it lacks enough plot for a feature film. Hence, it comes off a stretched out short film that never gets beyond the slice-of-life narrative. The script is weak and its contemplating tempo doesn't help the minimal plot, but instead causes it to lag and grow tiresome. Perhaps its greatest flaw is that fails to provoke its theme of motherly love - no matter how many silent and moody stares from the characters.

Way too long 6* out of 10*

[velvet_zoo · 12 October 2020]

Psychotic woman kidnaps her children. It takes her two hours and very many close ups of her to realize that she will not be able to take care of them. Decent acting in a film that would have worked better as a short. Maybe sometimes a bit too obvious, but in general good art direction. 2* for art direction, 3* for the actors, 1* for direction, 4 stars down for missed possibilites

Probably the worst movie of all time

[eriksvane-85034 · 1/10 · 2 August 2020]

If you want to waste 78 minutes of your life you should watch this horrible movie. It did nothing. You could have a more exciting time, counting rocks on the beach.

Great acting, engaging and realistic

[maria_l_j · 10/10 · 17 July 2021]

I don't understand the bad rating regarding this movie. I found it very engaging with an interesting plot regarding an important subject. Great acting by all actors. Ok it is dark and a bit slow, so if you don't like movies that are like that it's not for you. But it never gets dull in my opinion. A beautiful but tough movie that will stay in my memory.

Waste of money and time

[angelperzgrcia · 1/10 · 23 September 2021]

After this movie I can go to the cinema for any random movie, I know its not gonna be worse... I just created an account here to rate it... When the movie was being a whole disaster I heard the word Tenerife where I come from so atleast I had a hope that it will turn on something good to realize after the fake voices to add this fake spanish vibe or background which by the way its not real at all... I dont know why ppl here say this was realistic, it was super Fake acting and the stereotypes... in Canary islands we are Canarians not mexicans, we neither are Cubans, super cliché movie i only heard canarian accent from the police. The rest was just bs... the movie made me hate every single character and if the purpose was too create discomfort, impotence and sadness about their situation, it only created nausea... I enjoyed the popcorn tho...