Ekko (Echo)

This Danish movie from director Anders Morgenthaler begins with a father taking his son on a weeks’ vacation to a lovely cottage in a remote place. We know right away that there is something more to it, but it’s only after the story advances for a while that we realize that Simon (the father) has a secret. The secret will explain his actions and ultimately lead to a dramatic outcome.

Though the plot could be explained in just a few lines, I never felt bored or uninterested as Morgenthaler seems to know very well how to keep you waiting for more information. And though you have to keep collecting those little pieces of information as they show up, they are all relevant and they are also all you really need to know. There is nothing superfluous on the movie.

Through a good part of the movie we only have two actors, Simon (Kim Bodnia) and his son Louie (Villads Fritsche). Later on, they are joined by the unconventional but lovely Angelique (Stine Fischer Christensen), and the three of them present us with great acting. In the all, there are about a dozen actors on this production and it’s always great to see how you don’t need lots of resources to tell a story in an effective way.

The movie was nominated for several awards, and those nominations were well deserved. I enjoyed specially the cinematography, in a movie where choices about light and absence of light, sound and silence make all the difference and are as revealing as the acting itself. Camera movement plays a key role in the emotional language of this film and I was amused by one particular slow motion little scene that provides an insight into Simon’s state of mind. Some Vivaldi music also fits perfectly the story.

A well-balanced movie that made me want to rent a cottage in some Danish coastal area. Seriously.

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion