22 July

22 July tackles a harrowing chapter in Norway's history, focusing on the brutal attack by Anders Behring Breivik. While it's commendable for shedding light on the aftermath, it sometimes gets lost in its own pacing.

A Tragic Day in Norway

The film unfolds in three distinct parts, exploring the tragic events of July 22, 2011, when neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik carried out a massacre at a Labour Party Youth Camp on Utøya Island, killing 77 young individuals. It follows the survivors grappling with trauma, the political response from Norway's leadership, and the ensuing legal proceedings against Breivik. By intertwining personal and political narratives, the film paints a picture of resilience amidst tragedy. However, the pacing can feel uneven, especially in the courtroom scenes, which tend to drag on and lose emotional impact.

Mixed Performances in a Heavy Narrative

Jonas Strand Gravli delivers a standout performance as Viljar Hanssen, one of the survivors trying to reclaim his life after the attack. His portrayal is authentic and emotionally charged. On the other hand, Anders Danielsen Lie's portrayal of Breivik feels one-dimensional, failing to provide any deeper understanding of his motivations, which was a missed opportunity. Supporting characters, while competent, often feel underutilized, making it hard to connect with their individual stories amidst the larger narrative. This imbalance slightly detracts from the overall emotional weight of the film.

Realism Meets Pacing Problems

Paul Greengrass's direction is typically solid, marked by a documentary-like realism that suits the film's serious subject matter. He employs hand-held camera work to create a sense of immediacy, especially during the attack sequences. However, the visual choices sometimes border on chaotic, leaving viewers disoriented rather than engaged. The courtroom scenes, in contrast, are shot with a more static and methodical approach, which works against the pacing and may leave viewers restless. The film's visual style, while gritty, occasionally undercuts its emotional resonance.

Heavy Lifting, Emotional Toll

Watching 22 July is a mixed experience; it often feels heavy with its weighty subject matter, yet it can also slip into moments of frustrating boredom. The emotional highs are powerful, especially in depicting the survivors’ struggles, but prolonged courtroom scenes risk numbing the audience's engagement. Those moments meant to provoke reflection sometimes drag, making the film feel unnecessarily stretched. It’s a tough watch that demands attention, but it can test your patience with its slower sections, leaving some viewers feeling drained rather than reflective.