Oslo, August 31st is my favorite movie of all time. I genuinely believe I wouldn’t ever see something as moving as this again. Yet, I wouldn’t dare to watch it again, because of how emotionally wrecking it is.

Despite everything, this movie will probably stay with you and quietly ask if you’re checking up on your loved ones enough. 

Plot Overview

​By now, you must be wondering what it is actually about. It’s about a recovering drug addict, Anders (played by Anders Danielsen Lie), who takes a leave from his rehab centre to appear for an interview and meet his friends in Oslo.

​Most of the movie’s runtime is dedicated to the events that happen on August 30th. Here, you might be thinking, why isn’t it titled around that day. I presume it’s because of what happens the next day. Spoiler alert: It isn’t nice by any stretch of imagination.  

​Direction

This Norwegian film is directed by Joachim Trier, and he has done an absolutely brilliant job. To me, his greatest win lies in the fact that he doesn’t tell you what you think. He just shows you the story and leaves you to fill in the blanks.

For instance, as the movie goes on, you realise that Anders is a mess, but what pulled him into addiction? You don’t get clear answers on that. In one pivotal scene, Anders sits in a cafe and listens to the conversation of people around him. 

The camera focuses on different people and their conversations before focusing on him. My interpretation of that scene was that people around him had something in their lives; his was mostly loneliness. 

One of the movie’s themes that is less talked about is the impact of society on the labels of failure in relation to time. For instance, in one scene, Anders says, “Look at my life. I’m 34 years old. I’ve got nothing. I don’t want to start from scratch”.

Sure, we are talking about a recovering addict who is haunted by the ghosts of his past, but it’s amazing the kind of impact the director leaves with one scene and the question he implicitly asks- Should success be defined by age?

Another standout feature of his work is that he doesn’t take the familiar path. In movies based on themes like self-killing, often the lead manages to turn things around, or he finds one moment that gives him the courage to go on. 

Oslo, August 31st, does nothing of that sort. It is one of the most accurate depictions of the life of a depressed person, in my opinion. Throughout the movie, you hope that Anders receives a little support. Sometimes, he does, sometimes he doesn’t. The larger question: “Is that enough for him?” No.

​Cinematography & Location

​Jakob Ihre worked as a cinematographer on this film, and his work is amazing, too. It isn’t often that I remember a movie for its cinematography, but this one falls under that bracket. The movie feels realistic and immersive. They have used the natural lighting to great effect and to their advantage.

Oslo, August 31st, feels warm and pleasing to watch. Norway’s beauty only adds to the experience. But that’s the genius of the team’s vision here.

They have created an environment that feels so charming to us. But, through Anders’ lenses, everything feels hollow. That’s a wonderful way of bringing the audience into their world, and they manage to execute it perfectly.

But, if you ask me what’s the most beautiful thing about Oslo, August 31st? It’s my belief that you can watch this movie at distinct stages of your life and you will always feel something different.

The scenes might stay the same, but your changed perspective will allow you to understand the characters and perhaps yourself, even more. 

Acting

​In the acting department, the movie rests on the shoulders of Anders Danielsen Lie, and he excels with flying colors. He plays a highly flawed character-who didn’t treat either his family or his ex-girlfriends well. The script could have easily forced sympathy, and a lesser actor would have relied on that alone.

​He didn’t. Instead, he played the part to perfection, not shying away from his negative qualities either. As you watch him act, you wish somebody would help him and wouldn’t leave his side, no matter what. But it’s also easy to understand why people aren’t very happy with him.

Lie doesn’t get a lot of dialogue compared to the usual film lead. Yet, his subtle expressions and his body language more than make up for that. When you look at him, you won’t see a globally recognised, critically acclaimed actor. You’ll see the journey of a flawed drug addict, and that’s his biggest win.  

To me, it felt like I was less watching a movie and more like I was a ghost in the world it creates. I felt like I was sucked into that realm, and I wanted to tell Anders that it is going to be okay, but I painfully couldn’t. That’s the brilliance of his acting. He doesn’t show his pain; he makes you feel it.

​His portrayal also raises an important question. Since he is portrayed as a flawed character, the movie quietly asks: “Is one not deserving of love because he isn’t perfect?” I wanted to say, not at all, but when I look at my own life, I realize that I haven’t been as flawless as I wished either.

Conclusion

Although the movie is amazing, I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t for everyone. Even the ones who will love it won’t be able to watch it whenever they feel like it. It demands your complete undivided attention and the right frame of mind, but it does reward you with a world that is beautiful yet soul-wrenching.  

But, it does all that for a good reason, to be kind and to tell us to check up on our loved ones from time to time.

If you’re also someone who is going through a tough time, remember you’re not alone. Reach out to your family, friend, or whoever you are comfortable with. You matter, even if it might not seem that way now.

​And, if you’re struggling, confidential support is available. You can find a helpline for your location here, if you need it.