Reprise is a dramatic film set in Norway concerning two best friends who are both budding writer’s. Already I have issues. How do two best friends decide to become writers and send off their novels on the same day, to the same publisher, without thinking, ‘Hang on, what if one gets rejected and one is accepted? Surely this would come between us?’ So it is based on little background or context with not a lot of plausibility on it’s side. Despite this, it is a story full of sadness, happiness and hope, so it’s not all bad.
We are regularly shown a kind of paradoxical future which shows the best outcome of the decision being made by the characters. At the beginning of the film a short 4 minute clip stemmed from Phillip’s imagination shows what could happen after they post their novel’s, and includes a very complex sequence of events, both tragic and joyous. This 4 minutes could well have been a film in itself, it was that intense.
We are then brought back to the present where Phillip and Eric, our protagonist’s, send off their novel’s. And surprise surprise, one succeeds and one flops. Then we skip 6 months. For no other reason than because the director said so. Phillip seems to have succumbed to second-novel syndrome and is finding it hard to function, whilst Eric has become successful. Eric then decides to break up with his girlfriend Lillian whilst Phillip has become obsessed with his girlfriend, Kari. Basically, they contrast each other pretty much throughout the entire film. After Phillip’s obsessive relationship has ended with both himself and Kari needing therapy, they decide to get back together. Why? Because, again, the director said so. Despite this seemingly ridiculous story, it is actually very enthralling.
You find yourself sympathising with the character’s, perhaps even loving them. I mean, I want to look like Eric, I don’t actually think I‘m that far off to be honest. I just need to look a hell of a lot more handsome and cool and I’m there!
One of the final scenes shows Phillip’s last futile attempts at winning back Kari (he lost her again after he got her again) but it was not third time lucky for him. The whole room seemed to tense up as he made his way to Kari’s office and then a large sigh with sadness as Kari sent him away. It is this scene alone that made me love the film. It’s raw emotion and gritty reality – we have finally found a possible situation, hooray! – throws you right into the film, making you feel like you are there with Phillip consoling him.
Rating – 4/5. Despite a worryingly high amount of plot holes and the reason for something happening is put down to ‘Just because,’ I did love the drama. A guilty pleasure if ever there was one.