Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: THE TRIP [Fantastic Fest 2021 - Virtual]
The aspect of upping stakes in an otherwise domestic story/situation depends on the motivations of the characters involved but also how far the actors are willing to go. Noomi Rapace has always been game for edgy material that still has a aspect of both danger and vulnerability, especially within her character. While "The Trip", which has been picked up by Netflix, is extremely gory, there is definitely a sense of pace and intent to it. It is not for all audiences and yet it keeps true to its through-line in how a couple Lisa (Rapace) and Lars (Aksel Hennie) deal with a snag in their marriage. The one-upmanship works well as another aspect is added to the mix and then another compounding motivations and needs. While some of the gags are a little much, "The Trip" with its cast finds that balance of heart with Scandinavian humor. To give away much else of what it does would ruin the reveal.
Needless to say, it forces the couple through the wringer in ways they did not think of yet or did not conceive of at all. Granted there is an almost a meta aspect in the world of the work the film is set in. This both works for the set up yet almost feels like too easy a plot ploy (yet, that said, it does work). The story structure also works fairly well with a series of flashbacks that nicely dovetail back and forth to fill in the blanks. Set in Norway and in the language, writer/director Tommy Wirkola uses the space but doesn't lean on it, opting for using the house as a matter of course with a couple "Pulp Fiction" references thrown in for good measure. Once the film moves towards the end, it does go for broke but not in an out-of- control way so the progression of the characters, however extreme in certain ways, does make sense. One quiet moment before the final sequence does illustrate this. "The Trip" is a fun romp and, while not for the squeamish, does keep the story and characters moving. B
By Tim Wassberg
