MOVIE REVIEW
Punishment (Straff)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Øystein Mamen
Language: Norwegian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: North American premiere at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step into the world of PUNISHMENT, a film that takes us behind the daunting walls of Norway’s Halden Maximum Security Prison. Director Øystein Mamen, in his first feature film, brings us a story that's less about the prison bars and more about the mental barriers of its inmates. The film navigates through the complex psychological terrains of four prisoners engaged in a three-week Jesuit silent retreat. It's a refreshing take on the prison genre, focusing on introspection and transformation rather than the usual crime drama tropes.

Flipping the script on traditional documentary storytelling, PUNISHMENT delves into the minds of its characters rather than their criminal pasts. It's a psychological exploration where the real protagonists are the inner journey and the quest for redemption. Mamen's background in cinematography and his knowledge of Comparative Religion and Literature Studies give the film a distinct style. His observational narrative technique allows viewers an intimate view of the emotional and mental shifts happening within the inmates.

The film's setting, a silent retreat within the high-security prison, is a powerful statement. This environment, contrasting with the routine prison life, creates a paradoxical space where freedom and discipline coexist, nurturing genuine self-reflection. It's not just about the transformation of these inmates; it's about how they navigate their internal conflicts and fears.

One of PUNISHMENT's most striking aspects is its reflection on society's perception of crime and those who commit it. The film invites viewers to contemplate the narratives of the marginalized and stigmatized, urging a deeper understanding of introspection's role in humanizing individuals often reduced to their crimes.

However, the film's pacing might be problematic for most (including myself.) While documentaries thrive on keeping viewers engaged, PUNISHMENT sometimes needs help to maintain momentum with the material. It's a delicate balance that struggles because of the film's design, leaving some parts a bit stretched. By definition, the film’s often silent approach and deliberate real-time pacing are strong statements, but at the same time, they are struggles.

PUNISHMENT is still a remarkable directorial debut for Mamen. It's a film that challenges preconceived notions about crime and punishment, offering a nuanced perspective on the possibility of change and redemption. While it may not be the adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-your-seat kind of film, it's a thought-provoking piece that resonates long after you've left the theater. If you follow my reviews, you’ll know that a 2.5/5 isn’t a “bad” rating; it’s just for a film that I didn’t love but didn’t dislike, pretty much the definition of a middle-of-the-road experience. With that said, I loved the topic, and I guarantee many will appreciate the film’s pacing!

PUNISHMENT stands out as a commendable effort in prison dramas. It goes beyond the surface, offering a deep dive into the transformative journeys of its characters. This film may differ from everyone's cup of tea, especially those seeking high-octane action or a fast-paced narrative. But for those who appreciate a film that focuses on the emotional and psychological journey, PUNISHMENT is a worthwhile watch. This subtly powerful cinematic experience offers both depth and a fresh perspective.

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[photo courtesy of MEDIEOPERATØRENE]

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