In Oslo, the movie follows three families dealing with loss and death. As Mahler (Bjørn Sundquist) visits his daughter, Anna (Renate Reinsve), it’s clear that they are dealing with the loss of a loved one, and there is obvious friction between the pair. Their brief conversation demonstrates that Anna wants to avoid him and does not want to talk about anything important. Next, we see Tora (Bente Børsum) standing over the casket of a recently departed loved one in the morning. Now she is left feeling lonely in the world with no friendships or partner. Lastly, there’s David (Anders Danielsen Lie), a family man and stand-up comedian unaware that a personal tragedy will soon profoundly impact him and his children.
Once all the prominent families are introduced, viewers will sense that something isn’t quite right with this world and its atmosphere. Odd noises are heard, and unexplainable events happen. Soon, the world is shaken when the dead begin to awaken and reappear. When Mahler sees what’s happening, he goes to a graveyard and digs up the dead body of Anna’s son. When he opens the tomb, he discovers that Anna’s son is somehow alive again. Those who have risen from the dead feel cold to the touch, with low oxygen levels and heart rates, yet are somehow alive again. The sudden return of the dead impacts families profoundly on an emotional level, giving them hope for a second chance with their loved ones. While each family is filled with joy and gratitude, the question remains: will these families regain normality, or do the rising dead in Oslo serve an unexpected purpose?
Handling the Dead is a unique creation by Thea Hvistendahl, a director known for her works Children of Satan (2019) and The Monkey of the Mouth (2017). This film was my first encounter with Hvistendahl’s work, not only as a director but also as a writer. While the film introduces the intriguing concept of the dead returning to life, it’s important to note that this drama film is far from the typical zombie action movie.
Right from the opening scenes, an almost apocalyptic, mysterious atmosphere is created. As the main characters are introduced, Oslo appears lonely and sad. Contributing to the odd atmosphere are the unexplainable things happening, such as high-pitched noises, buzzing, surging of electrical devices, car alarms going off for no reason, and birds fleeing in panic. All these aspects hint at impending danger and warn that change is coming. The film’s soundtrack by Peter Raeburn further enhances the atmosphere with choir music, deep bass lines, and impactful piano and cello pieces.
The drama is compelling, and some moments genuinely tug at the heartstrings. Many thought-provoking questions about what to do if reunited with a loved one are raised. Delving into unique concepts, this film leaves a personal impact on the audience. Despite the film’s many praises, I was disappointed to find significant issues with its pacing. The plot moves at a sluggish pace, with certain scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged. It takes a considerable amount of time for the main plot to unfold, and scenes like Mahler’s journey to Anna’s home seem to drag on. While the film’s visuals and atmosphere are commendable, there were moments when I wished for a quicker pace rather than the slow, dragging progression reminiscent of a zombie crawl.
Overall, Handling the Undead posed a difficult question to viewers: What would you do if a deceased loved one were to come back to life? The atmosphere and tone are on point, immediately signalling that something strange will happen, and the ongoing inexplicable events keep the dramatic levels high. The makeup and film score are also executed well, but the slow pace was a significant drawback. The plot takes a long time to unfold and reach a conclusion. Although it’s not a crazed action zombie movie, and the story delves deep into something more profound, yet in the end, I couldn’t help but wish for more.
Handling the Undead (2024) is available on Digital in Australia starting July 31st!
6.0/10
28th July 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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