In the crosswind

In the Crosswind is a beautifully rendered, intensely emotional and elegantly constructed Estonian film released in 2014. Directed by Martti Helde, the film stars Laura Peterson, Tarmo Song, and Mirt Preegel. Acclaimed for its mesmerizing black-and-white cinematography and unique narrative style, In the Crosswind is much more than a typical historical drama; it’s a piece of visual poetry that painfully reminds us of the harsh realities of World War II.

The film is set in the backdrop of 1941, a period when Joseph Stalin orders the inhabitants of Baltic countries to be deported to Siberia. It tells the story of a young Estonian woman named Erna (Laura Peterson), separated from her husband Heldur (Tarmo Song) as the result of a massive Soviet deportation. Erna must battle distance, loneliness, and the harsh Siberian winter to keep love, hope, and her family alive.

In the Crosswind stands out through its innovative narrative technique. The inventive use of tableau vivant -a French term meaning "living picture"- presents the entire narrative through dramatically arranged, motionless poses by various actors. These living stills are not only enthralling, capturing every emotion, every layer of the characters, they also effectively encapsulate their struggle and resilience.

Laura Peterson, as Erna, captivates the audience with a stunningly sincere and subtle performance. Her letters to her husband form a crucial part of the narrative, providing a deeply personal perspective on the events that unfold. The performance of Tarmo Song, as Heldur, is equally impressive, effectively portraying a man snatched away from his normal life and stripped of his freedom.

The cinematography, by Erik Põllumaa, is an integral element shaping the aesthetic and narrative structure of In the Crosswind. With the actors' simple yet dramatic compositions and the frozen action sequences, the visuals give the film a striking, theatrical feel. This, accompanied by the hushed narrative voiceover, draws the viewers into a contemplative, meditative state, compelling them to reflect on the history and human condition.

Relying on historical facts, letters, and memoirs, the script, written by Helde and Liis Nimik, is poignant and deeply moving. The movie highlights the psychological impact of historical tragedies and human struggle against oppression by focusing not only on the macroscale political machinations but also delving into the intimate and personal impacts on ordinary people.

Yet, In the Crosswind is not only a film about suffering. It deals with themes of endurance, hope, and the power of the human spirit in the face of inexplicable hardship. It illustrates love and longing that transcends geographical boundaries and time itself.

The sound design also plays an essential role in the film's emotional impact. The sonic environment alternates between hushed, careful silence to the wrenching sounds of trains bound for Siberia, and the whistling Siberian wind. While the living stills visually freeze time, the drifting sounds subtly yet poignantly remind us of the inevitability of its passage.

Director Martti Helde adeptly manages that challenging blend of stylistic ambition and historical veracity. Through inventive use of tableau vivant, he tells an audacious, emotional, and powerful story that resonates long after the end credits roll. He delicately balances the lived and visceral experience of the characters with a larger historical perspective, providing a beautifully crafted cinematic experience.

In the Crosswind is a deeply emotional film about human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. It’s not an easy film to watch, but it is well worth the journey. The haunting visuals, the engaging narrative, and heartrending performances make this film an essential viewing for those interested in understanding the human side of a tragic historical event. A unique cinematic experience, In the Crosswind is a beautiful and thought-provoking work of art, a film that allows audiences to reflect, empathize, and remember.