A Charming Exploration of Modern Love: Haugerud’s Love (Kjærlighet)
Norwegian writer-director Dag Johan Haugerud’s latest film, Love (original title Kjærlighet), is a refreshing blend of drama and comedy that thoughtfully navigates the complexities of modern relationships. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, this candid and bold portrayal of contemporary dating, particularly in the age of apps, offers a nuanced and often humorous look at human connection. With its strong performances, clever writing, and a delicate balance between humor and emotion, Love is a delightful film that deserves a wider audience beyond the festival circuit.
A Thoughtful Study of Relationships
Set in present-day Oslo, Love introduces Marianne (Andrea Bræin Hovig), a urologist who excels in her professional life but struggles to connect on a deeper emotional level, especially with men. The film opens with Marianne delivering the news of prostate cancer to a patient. Despite her medical expertise, it’s her colleague Thor (Tajio Cittadella-Jacobsen), a gay nurse, who is able to comfort the patient and explain things in a way he can understand. This subtle contrast highlights Marianne’s challenge in comprehending the male experience, something Thor, despite being gay, believes he understands more intuitively.
Contrasting Romantic Journeys
Marianne’s journey takes an interesting turn when she encounters Thor on a ferry to an island in the Oslo area. While Thor is living there for the summer, Marianne is heading to a dinner party that doubles as a blind date with Ole Harald (Thomas Giertsen), a geologist who, like many middle-aged men, is managing joint custody of his daughter and a complicated relationship with his alcoholic ex-wife. Marianne, though reserved, eventually shows her interest in Ole, setting the stage for a slow-burn romantic relationship.
Thor’s approach to romance is the polar opposite. He uses Grindr to arrange spontaneous sexual encounters with men of all orientations, sharing his casual attitude toward sex with Marianne. Intrigued by Thor’s openness, Marianne decides to explore the world of app-based dating herself, leading to humorous, sometimes awkward situations as she navigates her own romantic path.
A Shift in Perspective
While Marianne’s relationship with Ole grows, Thor begins to reconsider his no-strings-attached lifestyle. His encounter with Bjorn (Lars-Jakob Holm), a much older man he meets on the ferry, sparks a more emotional and meaningful connection. Unlike Thor’s usual flings, Bjorn’s hesitation and eventual emotional openness reveal Thor’s more vulnerable, tender side, which not only deepens his personal life but also influences his role as a caring nurse.
Subtle Cinematic Charm
The film’s understated visual style, captured by cinematographer Cecilie Semec, matches its unhurried pace. The long, languid takes allow the actors to shine, with Hovig and Jacobsen standing out in particular for their natural and engaging performances. Their conversations unfold with a musical rhythm, contributing to the film’s charm and emotional depth.
Themes of Friendship and Self-Discovery
Beyond its exploration of romance, Love also touches on friendship and the complexities of self-discovery. Marianne’s friend Heidi (Malte Engebrigtsen), an art historian, expresses her frustration with Marianne’s sudden interest in app dating, adding another layer to the film’s reflection on modern relationships.
A Quiet Celebration of Love
In the end, Love is a gentle yet insightful film that celebrates the many forms love can take. Through its thoughtful observations on dating, friendship, and emotional intimacy, Haugerud’s film serves as a warm and quietly profound meditation on the colorful and wonderful nature of love in all its variations.
Conclusion:
Haugerud’s Love is the kind of film that resonates deeply in today’s world—honest, tender, and delightfully perceptive.
Venue: Venice Film Festival (Competition Section)
Cast: Andrea Bræin Hovig, Tajo Cittadella-Jacobsen, Malte Engebrigtsen, Thomas Giertsen, Lars-Jakob Holm
Director and Screenwriter: Dag Johan Haugerud
Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
