Rushing water comes at you with such force that it pushes you away from reality and forces you to try to keep your head above water. As a movie, Troubled Water did exactly that, pushed you away from reality and made you take look closer at what the real truth was. Unlike most Nordic Films this movie embodies a more western style, through a clear plot line and characters stories converging. The story line pulls you in as you see the theme of water, religion and redemption unfold.
In the beginning we are thrown to the past and watch the sad tale of a four year old boy who was kidnapped and drowned by two unknown men. It then fast forwards to the tale about one of the convicted murderers,Thomas, and his life after jail working at a church as an organist. As we see scenes of his life, we hear the story about Jesus and Peter walking on water, those who believe get redemption and those who doubt, sink. As an audience we are convicted with the idea of redemption. We see this played out when the Church not only provides a safe haven for Thomas but the chance for a new life. He finally has a chance to make something of himself, to learn from his mistakes and forget what occurred. Thomas starts a new job one he excels at and he also begins a new romantic relationship. This relationship though is seen to already have problems when it is based on lies. Another problem is this woman, the pastor, has a little boy named Jens, who freakishly resembles the little boy Thomas killed, Isak. As an audience member you try to put this aspect behind you, but the resemblance is to close to forget. You hope that this movie isn't about this and wish for a tale about redemption but that would make for a short movie. Instead Eric Poppe, the director, throws in a twist, we are once more hurdled back to the beginning when Isak is kidnapped but this time we see the story played out from the point of view of Iska's mom.
Instead of redemption you see turmoil, horror and stress. Her point of view makes you question everything that you have learned about Thomas and question if people should be allowed a second chance. As you watch the mom search for her child your palms begin to get clammy and tears well in your eyes, you are overcome with sadness when you realize just how long it has taken her to piece her life back together. The camera angles are what pulls you in, it focuses on the emotional expression of each character versus the background scenery. The theme of hardship is also seen in this segment when we see Isak's little shoes. These shoes are a reminder that whatever she does her sons memory is always with her. As we "walk" in his shoes you see the reality of losing a child especially as she floats in the pool contemplating what her life could have been. In the mom's depiction we also see the flaws of the welfare system; even though it benefits so many people it has flaws and the opportunity to cause so much emotional turmoil. These flaws are seen when Thomas is released from prison, unlike the United States a person has a shorter sentence for murder and has the opportunity to start a new life instead of living life in prison. This chance for redemption reopens the pain for Isak's mom and you are left wondering what type of punishment is really right. As we move on we are swept even further into the rushing water this time literally. The stories lines blend like two creeks merging into a rushing river. You are taken to Jens's daycare where Isak's mom kidnaps him to "save" him from Thomas. We are then taken to where the story began. Thomas and Isak's mom are fighting while Jens's tries to traverse across the river. Soon everyone is in the water trying to save Jens's as he is swept away. This part of the movie is where the camera techniques really make a difference. All we see is the rushing water and we are thrown into the rushing current and the roaring rapids. As an audience member you start to panic and you feel like you are there trying to get out of the water so you don't drown. Many thoughts run through your head, What is going to happen to Jens? Was this what Isak felt like? Should you forgive Thomas? Do murders deserve to get a second chance? If your own child were to be kidnapped do you think that you would ever be able to move on? Before you have time to answer these questions you are on shore, breathing heavy thanking God that you are alive. As each character's story ends the camera flashes to the water and we watch it move as the screen fades to black. It reminds us that no matter how hard life gets, no matter the troubles that come our way life continues, we need to believe in something greater than ourselves and we must always keep floating on. This has been by far one of the best produced Norwegian films I have ever seen. Eric Poppe pulls you in from beginning to end you are trying to get your bearings while you try and stay afloat.
In the beginning we are thrown to the past and watch the sad tale of a four year old boy who was kidnapped and drowned by two unknown men. It then fast forwards to the tale about one of the convicted murderers,Thomas, and his life after jail working at a church as an organist. As we see scenes of his life, we hear the story about Jesus and Peter walking on water, those who believe get redemption and those who doubt, sink. As an audience we are convicted with the idea of redemption. We see this played out when the Church not only provides a safe haven for Thomas but the chance for a new life. He finally has a chance to make something of himself, to learn from his mistakes and forget what occurred. Thomas starts a new job one he excels at and he also begins a new romantic relationship. This relationship though is seen to already have problems when it is based on lies. Another problem is this woman, the pastor, has a little boy named Jens, who freakishly resembles the little boy Thomas killed, Isak. As an audience member you try to put this aspect behind you, but the resemblance is to close to forget. You hope that this movie isn't about this and wish for a tale about redemption but that would make for a short movie. Instead Eric Poppe, the director, throws in a twist, we are once more hurdled back to the beginning when Isak is kidnapped but this time we see the story played out from the point of view of Iska's mom.
Instead of redemption you see turmoil, horror and stress. Her point of view makes you question everything that you have learned about Thomas and question if people should be allowed a second chance. As you watch the mom search for her child your palms begin to get clammy and tears well in your eyes, you are overcome with sadness when you realize just how long it has taken her to piece her life back together. The camera angles are what pulls you in, it focuses on the emotional expression of each character versus the background scenery. The theme of hardship is also seen in this segment when we see Isak's little shoes. These shoes are a reminder that whatever she does her sons memory is always with her. As we "walk" in his shoes you see the reality of losing a child especially as she floats in the pool contemplating what her life could have been. In the mom's depiction we also see the flaws of the welfare system; even though it benefits so many people it has flaws and the opportunity to cause so much emotional turmoil. These flaws are seen when Thomas is released from prison, unlike the United States a person has a shorter sentence for murder and has the opportunity to start a new life instead of living life in prison. This chance for redemption reopens the pain for Isak's mom and you are left wondering what type of punishment is really right. As we move on we are swept even further into the rushing water this time literally. The stories lines blend like two creeks merging into a rushing river. You are taken to Jens's daycare where Isak's mom kidnaps him to "save" him from Thomas. We are then taken to where the story began. Thomas and Isak's mom are fighting while Jens's tries to traverse across the river. Soon everyone is in the water trying to save Jens's as he is swept away. This part of the movie is where the camera techniques really make a difference. All we see is the rushing water and we are thrown into the rushing current and the roaring rapids. As an audience member you start to panic and you feel like you are there trying to get out of the water so you don't drown. Many thoughts run through your head, What is going to happen to Jens? Was this what Isak felt like? Should you forgive Thomas? Do murders deserve to get a second chance? If your own child were to be kidnapped do you think that you would ever be able to move on? Before you have time to answer these questions you are on shore, breathing heavy thanking God that you are alive. As each character's story ends the camera flashes to the water and we watch it move as the screen fades to black. It reminds us that no matter how hard life gets, no matter the troubles that come our way life continues, we need to believe in something greater than ourselves and we must always keep floating on. This has been by far one of the best produced Norwegian films I have ever seen. Eric Poppe pulls you in from beginning to end you are trying to get your bearings while you try and stay afloat.