What We Become

What We Become, originally titled "Sorgenfri," is a 2015 Danish horror-thriller helmed by the writer and director Bo Mikkelsen, delivering tantalizing amalgamation of suspense, horror, and drama. Starring a talented ensemble cast that includes Benjamin Engell, Troels Lyby, and Mille Dinesen, the film effectively taps into our universal fear of the unknown, creating an intense and atmospheric narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film is riveting and suspenseful, seamlessly blending elements of horror, suspense, and thriller genres to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

In the quiet, idyllic suburban town of Sorgenfri, we are introduced to the Johansson family. Patriarch Dino (Troels Lyby) is a mild-mannered man trying his best to keep the peace and harmony amongst his family, while mother Pernille (Mille Dinesen) is a loving figure, dedicated to ensuring the wellness of her family. Their two children, teenager Gustav (Benjamin Engell) and young Maj (Ella Solgaard), are each affected by the turmoils and curiosities of their ages. This quickly-paced narrative meticulously establishes these characters, their relationships, the small yet vibrant community they are a part of, and the veneer of normality that captures their lives.

Their life is punctuated by the arrival of a mysterious influenza-like illness in their quaint town, causing fear and mistrust between the townsfolk. The authorities swiftly enact a range of procedures to curb the spread of the disease, leading to the town's quarantine, and Sorgenfri transforms into a haunting ghost town overnight. The once-friendly neighbors become objects of suspicion, confining the Johanssons to their home. This cat-and-mouse game of survival against an unknown adversary is woven through with threads of fear, tension, and paranoia, creating a sense of dread that permeates every scene.

In their isolation, secrets and tensions within the family begin to rise to the surface. The film effectively uses this downtime to further explore its characters to flesh out their personalities and dynamics. Gustav's rebellious attitude and curiosity draw him to the perplexing and potentially life-threatening situation. Throughout the movie, Gustav matures from a brash adolescent to a grown young man, and Benjamin Engell's excellent portrayal of the character imbues him with a sense of agency and bravery that helps steer the narrative.

However, as the crisis persists, the family is forced to band together, with their circumstances drawing them into a horrifying scenario of survival against an unknown menace. This pervasive, ramping menace lurking just beyond their windows, elevates the movie’s tension level higher and higher with each passing moment.

By focusing on the intimate details of its characters' lives, What We Become presents us with a glimpse of how rapidly normality can dissolve into chaos under extraordinary circumstances. Mikkelsen’s intelligent direction manages to wring suspense out of the most mundane scenes, making the audience hooked to the potentially catastrophic outcome.

The cinematography of the film is worth mentioning as it perfectly captures the beautiful but suffocating tranquility of suburban life and contrasts it sharply with the impending dread. Meanwhile, the sound design and music further enhance the ambiance, stoking the fires of anxiety in the audience's hearts.

The film can be dubbed as a fresh take on the horror-thriller genre without heavily depending on the overt scare tropes or gore. Instead, it focuses on building a tense atmosphere with a slow burn narrative that intensifies dread and suspense. The film stands out with its emotional depth and character-driven plot, giving the audience a chance to become invested in the lives and survival of the Johansson's family units.

In essence, What We Become is a gripping story of survival that captures the terror of the unknown, narrating a chilling tale of a family’s struggle amidst a rapidly escalating crisis. It’s a film that deftly toys with your expectations while drawing you into its dread-laden world, making it a must-see for fans of the horror-thriller genre. With its inclusive cast, skillful portrayal of suspense, and incisive social commentary, this Danish import is a highly recommended addition to every horror enthusiast's watchlist.