MOVIE REVIEW
The Bitcoin Car (Bitcoinbilen)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Trygve Luktvasslimo
Writer(s): Trygve Luktvasslimo
Cast: Sunniva Birkeland Johansen, Henrik Paus, Zoe Winther-Hansen, Johannes Winther Farstad, England Brooks, Espen Beranek Holm, Marianne Jakobsen, Irene Sundsfjord
Language: Norwegian, English, Finnish, Estonian, Latin with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com

RAVING REVIEW: What did I just watch? I’m still not entirely sure, but please don’t take that as a negative, as this film will leave you changed! In independent cinema, it's a delight to stumble upon a film like THE BITCOIN CAR, which breaks the mold with its innovative storytelling and picturesque visuals. Directed by the talented Trygve Luktvasslimo, this film is a testament to his growth from a short film creator to a feature-length director. THE BITCOIN CAR is set apart in its eclectic fusion of a musical backdrop with a narrative steeped in the juxtaposition of rural charm and digital innovation.

Set in a serene coastal village, the film tells the tale of Gloria, played by Sunniva Birkeland Johansen in her first major role. Her life spirals into chaos as she becomes mixed up with the glorious endeavors of a cryptocurrency enthusiast, leading to the creation of a gold-plated Bitcoin mining operation on her ancestral land. Henrik Paus, portraying her brother Lukas, returns home to find a reality drastically changed. The duo, along with an unusual ensemble of characters, embarks on a quest to demystify the workings of the crypto mine, driven by a personal tragedy.

The narrative crafted by Luktvasslimo is a rare blend of humor and poignancy. His directorial approach breathes fresh life into indie filmmaking, balancing the light-hearted with the profound. Rasmus West's cinematography, augmented by Philip Halvorsen's drone shots, brings a visual richness to the film. The score by Victoria Sergeenko envelops the story in an ethereal ambiance, deepening the emotional impact.

The most distinctive feature of THE BITCOIN CAR is its seamless integration of musical elements. The film’s musical aspect is unexpected, particularly given its contemporary subject matter around Bitcoin. In harmony with the film’s engaging story and dynamic character portrayals, this melodic dimension positions THE BITCOIN CAR as a unique entry in today’s cinematic landscape.

Johansen’s portrayal of Gloria is superb, infusing her character with authenticity. The on-screen chemistry between Johansen and Paus adds a palpable depth to their relationship, enhancing the film's appeal. Their performances, marked by a raw and unrefined quality typical of actors new to feature films, lend an air of authenticity to their roles. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Zoe Winther-Hansen portrayal of Rita in the film, a role that leaves you mystified with more questions than answers and yet somehow also combines all of the pieces together.

Luktvasslimo's vision extends beyond mere storytelling. He views cinema as a means to explore alternate realities, adding a rich and unusual setting to the film by setting it in his native Lofoten, Norway. This setting contrasts the traditional life of goat farming and the futuristic concept of cryptocurrency mining, symbolizing the clash of different worlds in our modern era.

THE BITCOIN CAR, amalgamating drama, comedy, and music, offers a refreshing departure from conventional cinematic storytelling. It invites audiences to dive into Luktvasslimo's imaginative and thought-provoking universe. Celebtrating the creative possibilities within independent cinema and marks Luktvasslimo's impressive debut in feature filmmaking. Its ability to resonate with casual viewers and cinema buffs alike showcases its versatility and appeal as a film offering a novel perspective on contemporary issues through an engaging and entertaining narrative.

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[photo courtesy of LUKT STUDIOS, STENAR PROJECTS]

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