Review: After Dark (Norway) by Iain Forbes "forceful performances"

Walking home late at night along the frigid streets of Oslo, Kristian (Simen Bostad) is approached by a young woman, Mia (Billie Barker). With an anxious look in her eyes, she asks him to walk her to the train station. After a moment of hesitation, Kristian obliges, but soon starts to question the girl’s intentions.

As the pair traverse the frigid, urban neighborhood, the camera alternates between tight, handheld shots of their faces and wide views of the landscape. The color palette favors blues and greys, with streetlamps illuminating their snow-blanketed surroundings. The juxtaposition highlights the characters’ push and pull, while positioning it against the backdrop of a desolate cityscape. The audience is placed firmly in the mind of Kristian. As he looks around, the camera whips from left to right. Is there something nefarious at play, or is it all in his head?

Both Bostad and Barker give layered, forceful performances. As Kristian weighs his options, his face reveals an inner conflict between his instincts and his morality. Likewise, Barker bounces seamlessly between a girl in peril and someone who may have something to hide. The film expertly places seeds of doubt in the audience’s head, progressively ramping up the tension. After Dark is an effective exercise in building suspense, one that’s not afraid to leave the audience asking questions, wanting more, and ultimately coming to their own conclusions.

Review by Shane McKevitt for Venice Film Week