When Thor (Fredrik Stenberg Ditlev-Simonsen) and Linn (Sara S. Moland) go away to a remote cabin for a weekend, it isn’t apparent – at least to both parties – that their relationship is in its death throes. However, that is absolutely the situation that takes centre stage in Kerren Lumer-Klabbers’ understated portrait, Radio Silence. Far from the melodramatic flourishes of overblown romantic gestures and the overwrought suffering of embellished break-ups, this quiet film finds those small moments in which the lines of communication seem to have become crossed, eroded, or snapped clean off.
While the film walks a fine line on the verge of magical realism, it is otherwise defined by an almost cosy naturalism. Moland and Ditlev-Simonsen feel earthy and genuine, both in their playful interactions and when awkward exchanges are left hanging in the air between them. It is not that the characters lack warmth for one another, but the actors brilliantly portray the imperceptible difference between affection and real love – there is a coolness that cannot, or perhaps as yet has not – be quantified. In a sense, Radio Silence is as much about the moment of realisation as it is the moment of separation.
That realisation is partly brought on by Linn’s discovery of an astronaut’s helmet in the cabin, which is owned by Thor’s father. Thor cannot verify whether the helmet is real or some prop, but Linn is enamoured with it and declares that she is preparing for a mission to Mars, which she will embark upon at the weekend’s close. The costume and the fanciful scenario become the excuse for emerging barriers between the two – Linn cannot receive a kiss from Thor because she cannot risk her health for the mission, for instance. It is a childish game that disguises and delays the inevitable grown-up conversation about the emerging chasm between them. It is a chasm that becomes ever more unmanageable until, eventually, from different rooms and communicating via walkie-talkies, the final discussion must be had; the ultimate, life-changing words spoken aloud.
Director:Kerren Lumer-Klabbers
Cast: Sara S. Moland, Fredrik Stenberg Ditlev-Simonsen
Screenplay: Oda Kruse, Kerren Lumer-Klabbers
Producer: Oda Kruse
Cinematography: David Bauer
Editing: Januar Omdahl, Linn Heidi Slåttøy
Sound: Peter Storm Wich,Vilde Tiller Hagestande
Production company: Kruse Film (Norway)
Venue: Oldenburg Film Festival
In Norwegian
16 minutes
