Take It Or Leave It

Take It Or Leave It is a riveting 2018 Estonian drama film directed by Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo. The movie ventures into the world of a young man's journey into unexpected fatherhood and the emotional challenges he faces. The film features a youthful protagonist, brilliantly played by Reimo Sagor, alongside the outstanding performances of Nora Altrov and Emily Viikman.

At the onset of the movie, Erik (Reimo Sagor), a 30-year-old construction worker living a typical bachelor life, is thrown into an unplanned life situation. His life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a phone call from his ex-girlfriend Moonika (Liis Lass). He is informed that she is about to give birth to their child, which comes as a shock to him. His surprise magnifies when Moonika, after the birth of their daughter, decides that she isn't ready for motherhood and offers Erik an ultimatum — to take over caring for the baby or give her up for adoption.

While the film largely revolves around issues of fatherhood, it also delves further, highlighting societal norms, individuality, and how personal and professional relationships can crop between bricks when faced with enormous unplanned responsibilities. Erik, who was once equipped with only hammers and builders tools, is suddenly left with a perplexing challenge of handling diapers and feeding bottles. His life shifts from the blueprints of construction sites to the colorful pages of baby books.

Sagor's portrayal of Erik is flawless and relatable. He is a man at a crossroads, struggling to grasp the magnitude of fatherhood, but with a genuine will to adapt and embrace parenthood. His characterization draws us into his conflicted world, filled with fear, confusion yet love for his newfound family.

Take It Or Leave It further introduces us to the female lead Nora Altrov who plays Maia, a warm-hearted woman who later plays an essential role in Erik's struggle with fatherhood. Maia's bond with Erik and the baby lucrative an emotional roller coaster ride, making the story more appealing and touching. The authenticity of Nora Altrov’s acting lets the audience relate to Maia’s support for Erik, making her a cornerstone of the story, stabilizing, and evolving it effectively.

Emily Viikman makes a notable appearance as the little baby. Even though she doesn't speak a word, her innocence and silent presence make a significant impact on the storyline, acting as the innocent catalyst responsible for the entire plot's unfolding.

Liina Trishkina-Vanhatalo, the director of Take It Or Leave It, beautifully handles this emotional drama with delicacy, making it an exceptional watch. Despite dealing with a deep and sensitive subject matter, the film doesn't lose its relatability appealing to a wide range of audiences. The film presents a raw and evocative visual exploration of a man’s journey facing the unprecedented trials of fatherhood, breaking his cocoon of comfort, and allowing him to grow in more profound ways.

To capture the transformation of Erik from a construction worker to an unsure father aptly, the movie makes excellent use of close-ups and naturalistic lighting. These subtle filmmaking choices efficaciously showcase the emotional turmoil and the literal labor of love that envelops Erik's life.

Despite the solemnity of the story, remarkably, the film injects a dose of situational humor. Erik learning to tackle baby care tasks pragmatically and dealing with unexpected babysitting complications create scenes of light hilarity, making the narrative more appealing.

Take It Or Leave it is not just a film about parenthood but also an exploration of human relationships and the many forms they can take. It is an emotional journey that provokes thought about the nature and complexity of love, duty, and the painful beauty of personal growth.

In conclusion, Take It Or Leave It is a thoughtful and moving portrayal of unexpected parenthood, societal pressures, and the transformative power of love. This film, with its compelling narrative and remarkable performances, resonates profoundly, leaving an impact long after the movie concludes. The great cinematography, coupled with the nuanced performances by the lead actors, makes Take It Or Leave It an engaging piece of cinematic artistry. It stands out as a fine specimen of Estonian cinema and an insightful, universally relatable narrative masterpiece.