Movie of the Day: Love (2024) by Dag Johan Haugerud
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Link to watch: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Dag-Johan-Haugerud/dp/B0DZG7D7RD/ (Germany)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30810792/
About movie: https://m-appeal.com/catalogue/love
Detailed Summary: "Love" is the second installment in Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud's "Sex Love Dreams" trilogy, following Sex (which premiered at the Berlinale in 2024) and preceding Dreams. Set primarily in Oslo during August, the film centers on Marianne (Andrea Bræin Hovig), a pragmatic urologist, and Tor (Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen), a nurse in her clinic who is more open and emotionally attuned, particularly regarding his own life exploring casual encounters with men via apps like Grindr. After a chance meeting on a ferry where Tor discusses his lifestyle, Marianne, who typically avoids relationships and is navigating dating apps herself after a blind date, begins to question societal norms and explore the possibility of spontaneous, uncommitted intimacy. Tor, despite his seemingly carefree approach, also begins to reconsider his views on relationships and emotional connection after encountering Bjorn (Lars Jacob Holm), a man he meets on the ferry. The film follows their interconnected paths and conversations, exploring different facets of intimacy, desire, communication (and lack thereof), and societal expectations surrounding relationships and sexuality. It avoids easy answers or judgments, focusing instead on the ambiguity and complexity of human connection.
Plot Summary: A doctor, Marianne, and a nurse, Tor, both tend to avoid traditional relationships. They meet on a ferry where Tor is seeking casual encounters. This interaction prompts Marianne to explore spontaneous intimacy, challenging her own views and societal norms. Simultaneously, Tor's encounter with another man, Bjorn, opens him up to unexpected emotional intimacy, contrasting with Marianne's experimentation. The narrative unfolds through their interactions and conversations with each other and other characters, examining different approaches to love, sex, and connection.
Director's Vision: Dag Johan Haugerud aims to provoke thought about modern intimacy, desire, and the balance between personal freedom and social norms. He seeks to expand perceptions, showing that love and connection manifest in diverse and unexpected ways, often blurring traditional relationship frameworks. His approach is observational and non-judgmental, using naturalistic dialogue and character interactions to explore these themes, creating space for reflection rather than providing definitive answers.
Short Summary: A doctor and a nurse in Oslo navigate dating, relationships, and intimacy outside of conventional norms after a chance encounter leads them to question their own desires and societal expectations.
Themes
Modern Intimacy: Explores the complexities and ambiguities of connection in contemporary society.
Desire and Sexuality: Examines different expressions of sexual freedom, casual encounters, and the relationship between physical and emotional intimacy.
Societal Norms vs. Personal Fulfillment: Questions conventional expectations around relationships, marriage, and commitment.
Communication & Honesty: Highlights the challenges of being honest with oneself and others about desires and relationship boundaries.
Human Connection: Focuses on the significance of interactions, conversations, and shared vulnerability, even in fleeting encounters.
Non-Judgment: Presents various lifestyles and relationship choices without imposing moral judgments.
Key Success Factors
Naturalistic Dialogue: The film is praised for its warm, sincere, and realistic conversations that drive the narrative and character development.
Strong Performances: Andrea Bræin Hovig (Marianne) and Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen (Tor) deliver nuanced and compelling performances, with Lars Jacob Holm (Bjorn) also noted for his impactful role.
Subtle Direction: Haugerud's direction effectively uses visual cues like zooms and framing to enhance the focus on character interplay and emotion.
Atmospheric Cinematography: Cecilie Semec's cinematography beautifully captures the specific light and urban landscape of Oslo, complementing the film's themes.
Thought-Provoking Nature: Successfully encourages reflection on complex issues surrounding modern relationships and sexuality.
Awards and Nominations
The film premiered in the Main Competition section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024.
Winner Dragon Award, Best Acting Göteborg Film Festival (2025)
Winner FIPRESCI Prize Tromsø International Film Festival (2025)
Critical Reception and Reviews
Critics' reception is generally positive, though with some reservations.
Film Fest Report: Calls it thought-provoking, praising its nuanced exploration of different perspectives on love and intimacy without resorting to simplistic conclusions.
Awards Watch: Describes it as lighthearted, giving, and an "ode to anti-cynicism," highlighting the dialogue, score, and cinematography, though noting it could be verbose. Considers it a good conversation-starter.
International Cinephile Society (ICS Film): Lauds the "art of conversation," the humanity and realism of the dialogue, natural performances, and Haugerud's keen observation of the human sexual condition. Notes its effective exploration of societal expectations.
IMDb User Reviews: Generally positive, calling it contemplative, emotionally charged, and authentic, with strong performances (average user rating around 8/10).
Cineuropa: Offers a more critical view, finding the film's exploration "lacklustre" and arguing it doesn't break new ground, ultimately seeming to favour traditional relationships despite striving for boldness.
The Disapproving Swede: Considers the film lightweight and shallow, comparing it to The Worst Person in the World in this regard, though noting its mellow style.
Overall Summary: The film is often praised for its thoughtful dialogue, strong performances, and nuanced take on modern relationships. However, some critics found it too talkative, lacking in boldness, or somewhat superficial.
Box Office
Iceland lifetime gross: $2,095 Worldwide lifetime total gross: $266,508
Production
Summary: "Love" is the second film in Dag Johan Haugerud's trilogy exploring themes of Sex, Love, and Dreams in contemporary Norway, produced by Motlys.
Production Companies: Motlys (Norway)
Sales Companies: m-appeal (Germany - inferred country) handles the international sales rights for the film.
Distribution Companies: Distribution deals vary by country. While specific deals for Love aren't listed comprehensively, distributors handling the trilogy in various territories include September Films (Benelux), Filmin (Spain), Vertigo Media (Hungary), Wanted Cinema (Italy), and Xenix (Switzerland), among others
Theatrical: Premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024. Released theatrically in Norway in October 2024. International releases followed or are planned via various distributors.
Why Recommend This Movie
Intellectual Engagement: Offers a thoughtful and non-judgmental exploration of complex contemporary themes.
Character Depth: Features well-developed characters brought to life through strong, naturalistic performances.
Quality Dialogue: Showcases intelligent and realistic conversations about meaningful topics.
Artistic Merit: Boasts beautiful cinematography and subtle, effective direction.
Relevant Discussion: Acts as a catalyst for conversations about modern love, sexuality, and human connection.
Why Watch This Movie
Explore Modern Relationships: Gain insight into diverse perspectives on intimacy and connection outside traditional norms.
Appreciate European Cinema: Experience a contemporary Norwegian film focused on character and conversation.
Engage with Nuanced Themes: Reflect on the complexities of communication, desire, and societal expectations.
Enjoy Strong Acting: Witness compelling and authentic performances from the cast.
Experience Atmospheric Filmmaking: Immerse yourself in the specific mood and visuals created by the director and cinematographer.
Trends
Movie Trend: Conversational Realism/Slice-of-Life Drama: The film follows a trend in independent and European cinema focusing on realistic dialogue, character interaction, and nuanced explorations of everyday life and relationships, often prioritizing thematic depth over plot mechanics. Its Oslo setting and focus on modern relationships echo elements seen in films like The Worst Person in the World.
Big Social Trend: Redefining Relationships and Intimacy: The film taps into ongoing societal discussions about non-traditional relationship models, the role of dating apps, sexual fluidity, and the evolving understanding of intimacy and connection in the 21st century.
Final Verdict
"Love" is a well-acted, beautifully shot, and intelligently written film that delves into the complexities of modern intimacy and relationships through nuanced conversations and character studies. While its deliberate pacing and emphasis on dialogue over drama might not appeal to all viewers, it offers a rewarding and thought-provoking experience for those interested in contemporary European cinema and sophisticated explorations of human connection. It successfully serves as a conversation starter about the diverse ways people navigate love and desire today.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Prioritize Strong Writing: Invest in crafting natural, insightful dialogue that reveals character and explores themes authentically.
Focus on Performance: Allow space for actors to deliver nuanced, subtle performances that convey complex emotions.
Embrace Ambiguity: Don't shy away from portraying the complexities and uncertainties of modern life and relationships without offering easy answers.
Use Setting Meaningfully: Leverage location and cinematography to create atmosphere and enhance thematic depth.
Explore Diverse Perspectives: Tell stories that reflect a wider range of experiences regarding relationships and sexuality.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Auteur Visions: Champion directors like Haugerud who offer unique perspectives and prioritize thematic exploration over conventional narrative structures.
Invest in Dialogue-Driven Films: Recognize the audience for intelligent, character-focused dramas that rely on strong writing and performance.
Promote International Cinema: Increase efforts to distribute and market thoughtful films from countries like Norway to wider audiences.
Platform Diverse Stories: Continue to seek out and support films that explore evolving societal norms around relationships and identity.
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