Armand, a new thriller from Norway, is penned and directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, offers a unique narrative twist on the traditional genre. While it contains classic elements such as shocking twists, intriguing silence, and uncomfortable exchanges, the tension predominantly arises from the mundane setting of a primary school, with the plot driven by the unseen actions of a child.
Tøndel takes on a challenging task, and the outcome is impressively close to perfection. I found myself captivated and challenged by Armand, eagerly trying to unravel its complexities, despite Tøndel’s occasional drift from the storyline. Fortunately, these lapses occur later in the film, ensuring that the viewing experience remains consistently engaging. Renate Reinsve, who gained acclaim for her role in The Worst Person in the World, delivers a mesmerizing performance that is integral to the film’s impact.
A Complex Narrative Unfolds
An Unexpected Journey
Watch the Trailer
Reinsve portrays Elisabeth, a celebrated actress summoned to her son’s school for a parent-teacher conference. Unbeknownst to her, the meeting is shrouded in tension, as the teachers prepare for a difficult dialogue before her arrival. This setup showcases Tøndel’s skill in balancing political correctness with the delicate nature of the conversation ahead, making for an impressive scene.
Sunna (Thea Lambrechts Vaulen), the youngest and perhaps naivest teacher, finds herself out of her depth. Attempting to maintain decorum and follow procedures, she is overshadowed by her colleagues, Jarle (Øystein Røger) and Ajša (Vera Veljovic), who choose to remain on the sidelines during the initial discussions. This decision marks their first mistake, as the conversation quickly reveals complexity beyond a simple discussion.
As tension mounts, the arrival of Jon’s parents, Sarah (Ellen Dorrit Petersen) and Anders (Endre Hellestveit), is signaled by the suspenseful sound of their footsteps echoing through the hall, amplifying the atmosphere of unease as Elisabeth and Sunna await them in silence. Tøndel employs sound to his advantage here, opting for minimal music and instead emphasizing silence and realistic sounds to heighten suspense.
Heightened Tension and Stellar Performances
An Engaging Experience Despite Some Quirks
The intricate histories between Elisabeth and Sarah’s families begin to emerge, with Tøndel revealing their connection in a seamless manner that never feels forced. Each revelation carries emotional weight, enhanced by the astute cinematography of Pål Ulvik Rokseth, who captures the stark emptiness of the school while keeping the characters’ movements engaging and purposeful. This artistic direction intensifies the film’s tension, making it a compelling watch even during quieter moments.
Elisabeth, as interpreted by Reinsve, showcases an exceptional level of depth. Although her true feelings and motives are enigmatic, she remains relatable enough to keep viewers engaged. In one of the more unsettling scenes, Elisabeth reacts with uncontrollable laughter that morphs into profound sobbing, leaving the audience both bewildered and captivated by her emotional complexity.
Similarly, Petersen’s portrayal of Sarah shines as she seeks justice, displaying a beautifully nuanced performance that pulls the audience toward her perspective. Her calm demeanor belies an intense internal struggle, revealing layers to her character that make her just as fascinating as Elisabeth.
As Armand approaches its conclusion, Tøndel ventures into surreal territory, with extended sequences of choreographed movements that oscillate between dreamlike and nightmarish. The ambiguity of these moments may distract some viewers and slightly diminish the film’s final impact. Nonetheless, the preceding journey is a richly rewarding experience, solidifying Reinsve’s position as an emerging star to watch.
Armand is rated R for language and sexual material.
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