Force Majeure

FORCE MAJEURE is Ruben Östlund’s wickedly funny and precisely observed psychodrama. Written and directed by Östlund (PLAY, INVOLUNTARY), the film was a word-of-mouth sensation at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize in Un Certain Regard.

A model Swedish family – handsome businessman Tomas, his willowy wife Ebba and their two blond, pre-teen children – travels to the picturesque French Alps to enjoy a few days of skiing. The sun is shining and the slopes are spectacular but, during lunch at a mountainside restaurant, an avalanche turns everything upside down. With panicked diners fleeing in all directions, Ebba calls out for her husband as she tries to protect their children. Tomas, however, makes a decision that will shake the family’s world to its core. Although the anticipated disaster fails to occur, his marriage now hangs in the balance as he struggles to reclaim his role as family patriarch.

FORCE MAJEURE premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize in Un Certain Regard, and will be a Special Presentation at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.

“Sophisticated, stingingly clever and well-executed. Filmed with crystalline clarity and observant humor.” – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post

“Visually stunning even in its most banal moments and emotionally perceptive. It stands to complicate many a romantic arthouse date. Of all the satirists working in cinema today, Östlund displays perhaps the slyest streak of dark humor.” – Peter Debruge, Variety

“While many movies feel like they work overtime to try and reach some sort of profound statement, ‘Force Majeure’ effortlessly offers up an examination of just how difficult it is to define and live up to modern ideas of masculinity. An impressive and adult piece of work, bracing and intelligent. I found myself deeply impressed by how complex and smart the movie is.” – Drew McWeeny, HitFix