All That Matters Is Past

All That Matters Is Past is a Norwegian drama film released in 2012. Directed by Sara Johnsen, the film features a stellar cast that includes Maria Bonnevie, Inga Berger Schou, and Tea Sandanger, portraying complex and captivating characters whose lives intertwine to create a heartfelt narrative about love, choices, fraternity, and fate.

Maria Bonnevie brilliantly plays two roles as the twins, Janne and Randi. Janne has chosen an urban life with her lover, William, living in the city, while Randi lives a more straightforward life near the forest with her brother, Ruud. So when these worlds collide, we can expect a tumultuous storyline filled with emotionally charged encounters. The plot grows richer as each character's past and present are revealed, unraveling a web of intricacy that forms the film's backbone.

The film starts when a woman is found nearly dead by a river. The police quickly get involved, suspecting foul play from two brothers. As investigators look more into the case, we are led into a labyrinth of complex relationships, human frailty, and dreams that have spun wildly out of control. The narrative is cleverly shifted back and forth in time, from a wild and carefree summer when everything began, to the bleak present where love has turned into something dark and obsessive.

Maria Bonnevie, as Janne and Randi, carries complex emotions with her in every frame. She is a woman torn between love and fear, shackled by her past and struggling with her present. Her performance showcases the vulnerability of her characters, expertly blending the gray shades of their personalities into the narrative.

Opposite Bonnevie, Kristoffer Joner plays William, a man ensnared in a love that has turned dangerously twisted. His performance presents an insight into his character's inner demons and his fight to break free from his obsession that is ensnaring him deeper into a tragic spiral.

Inga Berger Schou, who plays the childhood versions of Janne and Randi along with Tea Sandanger as young William, evokes the sense of lost youth, innocence, and past desires. They bring to the table a beautiful blend of nostalgia and regret, effectively portraying the time-shifts and memories that encapsulate the film's moral and emotional depth.

All That Matters Is Past is not just a tale of love turned bitter but also of the complex psychological dynamics within dysfunctional families and friendships. The characters are diving deep into the abyss of their darkest desires and fears, struggling to make sense of their identities and choices.

The film brilliantly captures the natural beauty of Norway, contrasting it with the darkness infiltrating the lives of the characters. The exceptional cinematography skillfully contrasts the idyllic surroundings with the escalating emotional turmoil, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Throughout the film, director Sara Johnsen uses dreamy sequences and evocative imagery to further intensify the emotional arc of her characters. This highlights one of the movie's core themes, which is the blurring line between reality and dream, past, and present.

However, apart from being visually stunning, All That Matters Is Past also provides a comprehensive look at the human psyche - our capacity to love, hate, hurt, and heal. It is a profound exploration of how the past can affect the present and how choices made in the heat of the moment can ripple into a lifetime of consequences.

While All That Matters is Past is undoubtedly a dark film, it's the kind of movie that stays with you, forcing you to examine human emotions and relationships from a fresh perspective. By looking beyond love as a mere romantic concept, it delves deeper into more profound feelings of obsession, manipulation, insecurities, and about the past encapsulating the present.

Therefore, while this film may be a challenging watch due to its heavy themes, it is also a rewarding one. Its performances are outstanding, and its storytelling armours the narrative with an intense, visceral quality that engages the audience throughout its duration. And while the film may provoke a whirlwind of emotions, viewers are guaranteed to walk away with much to ponder on about relationships and the past's hold on our lives.