Brace Your Heart, Amanda Kernell’s third feature film at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Brace Your Heart, Amanda Kernell’s third feature film, unfolds against the stark yet beautiful backdrop of Lapland. The film opens with a poignant scene that captures the bond between a father and his daughter as she films him joyfully riding his snowmobile. This tender moment, however, swiftly transforms into a harrowing ordeal; despite her desperate attempts at mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, an emergency helicopter whisks him away, leaving the audience to grapple with the reality of his death.
Left to navigate a winter landscape dominated by cold and snow, the young girl must shoulder the responsibility of maintaining her family’s reindeer business alongside her younger sister and grandparents. In a patriarchal society, she reluctantly accepts assistance from a reindeer dealer, only to discover the abusive nature of their relationship. Her courageous decision to distance herself from this toxic connection jeopardizes the future of her family business, highlighting her resilience amidst adversity.
The film employs intimate close-ups that effectively capture the inner struggles of its characters. The contrasting shots of the snowy landscapes serve to enhance the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist, her sister, and her grandparents. The narrative also introduces a seemingly kind rescuer who turns out to be a rapist, juxtaposed with his cousin, who genuinely loves her and represents a flicker of hope in her dark reality. The actors deliver powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
As the film progresses, it unfolds as a somewhat heavy-going saga, culminating in a poignant confrontation where the protagonist bravely addresses her community about the rape she endured. The community's shock is palpable, yet the rapist remains unpunished, underscoring a troubling societal failure. This denouncement leaves viewers yearning for a more profound exploration of the themes presented.
Despite its weighty subject matter, Brace Your Heart is a significant contribution to contemporary cinema. Kernell's ability to weave a narrative that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of societal norms and personal resilience. The film, while leaving some questions unanswered, ultimately champions the strength of its protagonist and the importance of speaking out against injustice, making it a compelling watch.
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