You know those times where everyone else is raving about something and you don't get the fuss?
Welcome to Force Majeure.
This is a Swiss (subtitled) film about a young family who go on a skiing holiday and while in the Alps, an avalanche comes hurtling toward them. We're assured by the dad that it's planned, they know what they're doing. But then it gets real close and things look dicey and papa does a runner away from his wife and two kids.
Cue slow unraveling of relationship.
At first I was thinking what the film snobs have been saying... 'what a fascinating concept for a film!'
And then an hour and fifteen minutes into a two hour film I found myself looking at my watch thinking, is there really another 45 minutes to go?! I'm so bored!
The New York Times review called it "viciously amusing" and to be honest, I can't help but feel I was watching a different film. A few chuckles, sure, but "viciously amusing"? No, not for me. And locally, Leigh Paatsch from News Ltd called it a "gripping affair"... again, not for me. It also won a 'jury prize' at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
Let me know what you think if you do see this one, because as I write this, I think I'm the only person who's seen it that didn't love it or at least appreciate it.
Trailer here.