An Experience That Lingers Beyond the Screen

Read Time:4 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Fishing Place
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Rob Tregenza
Writer(s): Rob Tregenza
Cast: Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Ella Maren Alfsvåg Jørgensen, Frode Winther, Andreas Lust, Eindride Eidsvold, Gjertrud Jynge
Language: Norwegian, German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opens in New York on February 6, 2025, and Los Angeles on March 7

RAVING REVIEW: War films often aim for grand spectacle or deep emotional resonance. THE FISHING PLACE chooses a different path, opting for quiet tension, layered performances, and a strong emphasis on atmosphere over action. Director Rob Tregenza presents a thought-provoking story set in Nazi-occupied Norway, focusing on moral dilemmas and personal encounters rather than traditional war movie drama. While visually striking and conceptually intriguing, the film's unconventional structure and deliberate pacing make it a challenging watch, demanding patience from its audience.

At the center of the film is Anna Kristiansen, played with restrained intensity by Ellen Dorrit Petersen. Anna is released from Nazi captivity but at a steep price—she must work for a German priest in rural Telemark, Norway, while keeping a dangerous secret. The priest, wrestling with his moral conflicts, provides the backdrop for Anna’s struggle as she finds herself entangled in a world where trust is scarce and betrayal is inevitable. Petersen’s performance is a study in subtlety, conveying conflict without over-explaining her emotions. Her interactions with the priest and an SS officer add layers to the story, highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and deception.

Tregenza, known for his distinct visual style, crafts a film that leans heavily on composition and cinematography to do much of the storytelling. His use of long, unbroken shots creates a sense of immersion, pulling the audience into a world where silence speaks louder than words. The contrast between the cold interiors of the priest’s quarters and the open, unpredictable wilderness reinforces the emotional isolation of the characters. Muted tones dominate the film’s palette until the fishing sequences introduce a striking shift. These moments serve as visual metaphors, contrasting the surface calm of the setting with the undercurrent of tension running through the narrative.

Tregenza relies on the audience’s ability to engage with subtle details and piece together underlying themes. This approach may feel alienating for those who prefer a straightforward plot progression. The lack of traditional exposition forces viewers to infer key details from body language, glances, and seemingly mundane conversations.

Perhaps the film’s most divisive element is its unconventional third act. When the narrative seems to settle into a rhythm, Tregenza shifts gears entirely, introducing a self-reflective, almost meta-commentary. This bold choice will undoubtedly split audiences—some may find it fascinating, while others will see it as an unnecessary departure from the story’s emotional core. It’s the kind of creative risk that can elevate a film for some while distancing it from others.

While Petersen's performance gives the film emotional weight, other characters remain somewhat enigmatic. The priest’s conflict is hinted at but never fully explored, leaving his motivations ambiguous. Secondary characters are similarly underdeveloped, serving as puzzle pieces rather than fully realized individuals. This ambiguity works in some respects, reinforcing the film’s themes of uncertainty.

Sound design plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s mood. Instead of an overpowering score, Tregenza leans on natural soundscapes—creaking wood, distant echoes, the rhythmic cast of a fishing line. This minimalistic approach heightens the film’s meditative quality, letting silence fill the gaps where dialogue is sparse.

THE FISHING PLACE is undeniably well-crafted, but it won’t be for everyone. Its meditative approach and refusal to adhere to conventional storytelling structures make it a unique if somewhat polarizing, entry into the war genre. While its visuals and thematic depth are admirable, the slow pacing and emotional distance may disengage some viewers. The film lingers in the mind, even if it doesn’t always grip the heart.

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[photo courtesy of LIVING DAYLIGHTS PRODUCTIONS]

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