Thale Review: Independent Norwegian Film Plays To A Very Specific Audience

891610_554437557909763_1988620744_oI think it’s about time to dive deeper into Norwegian fantasy films. In 2010 I discovered Troll Hunter on Netflix and was blown away. It’s a found footage film that has the most compelling story I’ve ever seen in that style of film. Recently, while stumbling around the bowels of the internet for similar films, I came across Thale.

Written and directed by Aleksander Nordaas, Thale is the story of two crime scene clean-up workers (Erland Nervold and Jon Sigve Skard) who are hired to clean up after a death where only half the body was discovered. While there, the discover Thale (Silje Reinåmo), a girl who seems incapable of speech who they suspect may be a mythical Huldra.

Thale is as independent as they come. Shot in Nordaas’ father’s basement on a small budget (about the Norwegian equivalent of $1.2 million), the film has to rely on story over effects. During the film’s 76 minute run time, not a whole lot happens. The major aspect of the movie is trying to figure out who or what Thale is and why she’s there.

The film definitely takes its time getting to where a Hollywood film would get in the first 10-20 minutes, but it doesn’t feel slow. It’s about the mystery and Nordaas will test your patience. However, your patience will be highly rewarded come the end of the film.

Thale isn’t for everyone. It has a specific movie-watcher in mind, but that viewer will definitely be pleased with it.

Thale is available now on DVD and Blu Ray through XLrator Media.

 

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