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22 July (2018) movie poster

Characters & Themes

22 July (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 143 min · English
Echo score 65
JustWatch #5,456 74
Directed by
Paul Greengrass
Starring
Anders Danielsen Lie, Anneke von der Lippe, Caroline Glomnes, Charlotte Bottolfsen Iversen, Hang Tran, Isak Bakli Aglen
Budget
$20M

During a peaceful summer at a Norwegian youth camp, a horrific act of terror abruptly ends the innocence, resulting in the tragic loss of 77 lives. This gripping drama, based on actual events, explores the profound impact of extremism and the devastating consequences of Norway's deadliest attack, focusing on the human toll and the long road to recovery.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like 22 July
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch 22 July (2018)

Where can you watch 22 July? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

22 July Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of 22 July (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Anders Behring Breivik

    played by Anders Danielsen Lie

    Breivik is portrayed as a deeply disturbed individual whose actions are driven by extremist ideologies. His character is marked by a chilling sense of delusion as he embraces his identity as the 'Knight's Templar.' His lack of remorse and intentions to justify his actions create a sense of horror and disbelief in the narrative.

    • 🧨 Terrorism
    • 🥀 Tragedy
    • 📉 Extremism
  • Viljar Hanssen

    played by Jonas Strand Gravli

    Viljar is depicted as a compassionate and resilient young man who is forced to confront unimaginable horrors. His character reflects the profound impact of the attacks on youth, illustrating his transformation from innocence to survivor. His journey of recovery and bravery in testimony embody strength and hope.

    • 🦸‍♂️ Heroism
    • 🏥 Resilience
    • 🌱 Growth
  • Christin Kristoffersen

    played by Maria Bock

    Christin is a devoted mother, portrayed as a pillar of support for Viljar during his recovery. Her character encapsulates the anguish and determination of a parent in distress, constantly navigating the uncertain waters of her child's health. Christin's journey highlights the emotional toll of the tragedy on families.

    • 💖 Family
    • 😢 Grief
    • 🤲 Support
  • Geir Lippestad

    played by Jon Øigarden

    As Breivik's defense lawyer, Geir Lippestad is presented with a moral and ethical quandary throughout the film. His character exemplifies the struggle between professional duty and personal convictions, ultimately seeking justice while facing community backlash. Geir’s commitment to law underscores the complexities of the legal system.

    • ⚖️ Justice
    • 🤔 Ethics
    • 📚 Law

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:18

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Setting

Where and When Does 22 July Take Place?

The setting of 22 July (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

July 21, 2011

The events of the movie transpire on the eve of July 22, 2011, a date that marked one of Norway's darkest moments. This period was characterized by a wave of political turmoil and societal tension, arising from extremist ideologies. The aftermath of the attacks prompted national and international discussions about security and terrorism.

Location

Oslo, Norway, Utøya, Tyrifjorden, Buskerud

The film is primarily set in Oslo, the capital city of Norway, known for its rich history and political significance. Key scenes also take place on Utøya, a picturesque island in Tyrifjorden, which serves as a summer camp location for youth political gatherings. The contrasting settings of a vibrant city and a serene island highlight the tragic events that unfold.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏝️ Island
  • 🏞️ Nature

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:18

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3 major themes

22 July Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is 22 July (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Survival

    Survival is a central theme, embodied by Viljar Hanssen's harrowing experience during the attacks. His fight for life after sustaining critical injuries illustrates resilience amidst chaos. The theme extends to the survivor's journey toward healing and normalcy in the aftermath of tragedy.

  • Justice

    The quest for justice is poignantly portrayed through the characters' struggles to navigate the legal implications following the massacre. This theme delves into ethical dilemmas faced by defense attorney Geir Lippestad as he grapples with representing a man responsible for immense sorrow. The resolution of justice culminates in Breivik's conviction, sparking debates about punishment and rehabilitation.

  • Loss

    Loss permeates the narrative, impacting families and the community who experienced the catastrophic events. The film captures the devastation felt by victims' families, particularly through the experiences of Viljar's parents as they confront their son's uncertain future. The emotional weight of grief echoes throughout the story, resonating with viewers.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:18

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Character & theme questions

22 July Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about 22 July (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is 22 July primarily set?

The film takes place primarily in Oslo, Norway's capital city, and on Utøya island in Tyrifjorden. Oslo serves as the location of the government building bombing, while Utøya is the site of the summer youth camp massacre. The contrast between the urban political center and the serene island camp emphasizes the jarring nature of the attacks.

  • oslo
  • utøya
  • norway
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

What time period does the film cover?

The movie depicts events occurring on July 22, 2011, specifically starting on the evening of July 21, 2011. This was the date of Norway's deadliest terror attack in modern history, which prompted widespread national and international discussions about extremism and security.

  • july 2011
  • norway attacks
  • time period
  • 2011
Q3

What are the main themes in 22 July?

The film explores three core themes: survival, justice, and loss. Survival focuses on the physical and psychological recovery of survivors. Justice examines the legal and ethical complexities of prosecuting the attacker. Loss conveys the profound grief experienced by victims' families and the community.

  • themes
  • survival
  • justice
  • loss
  • meaning
Q4

How does the film portray survival?

Survival is embodied through Viljar Hanssen's experience during the attacks. After sustaining critical injuries, his fight for life illustrates remarkable resilience. The theme extends to his long journey toward healing and reclaiming normalcy in the aftermath of tragedy.

  • survival
  • viljar hanssen
  • recovery
  • resilience
Q5

What does the film say about justice?

The justice theme centers on the legal proceedings following the massacre. Defense attorney Geir Lippestad faces ethical dilemmas representing Breivik while seeking a fair trial. The theme explores debates about punishment, rehabilitation, and whether the legal system can deliver meaningful justice for such atrocities.

  • justice
  • legal system
  • geir lippestad
  • trial
  • conviction
Q6

Who is Anders Behring Breivik in the film?

Anders Behring Breivik is portrayed as a deeply disturbed individual driven by extremist ideologies. The film depicts his delusional worldview and his self-styled identity as a 'Knight's Templar.' His lack of remorse and attempts to justify his actions create a sense of horror while showing the dangers of radicalization.

  • anders breivik
  • attacker
  • perpetrator
  • extremist
Q7

Who is Viljar Hanssen in the story?

Viljar Hanssen is depicted as a compassionate young survivor of the Utøya attack. His character represents the profound impact on youth who experienced the massacre. Through his recovery journey and brave testimony, he embodies resilience and hope despite enduring unimaginable trauma.

  • viljar hanssen
  • survivor
  • youth
  • camp
Q8

What role does Geir Lippestad play?

Geir Lippestad serves as Breivik's defense lawyer, presenting him with a profound moral conflict. His character represents the tension between professional duty and personal convictions, as he works to ensure a fair trial while facing backlash from a grieving nation.

  • geir lippestad
  • lawyer
  • defense
  • legal
Q9

Who is Christin Kristoffersen?

Christin Kristoffersen is Viljar Hanssen's mother, portrayed as a pillar of strength during his recovery. Her character encapsulates the anguish and determination of parents navigating their child's uncertain future after the attack, highlighting the emotional toll on families of victims.

  • christin kristoffersen
  • mother
  • family
  • viljar family
Q10

Is 22 July based on true events?

Yes, 22 July is based on the real 2011 Norway attacks, which killed 77 people. The film dramatizes actual events, including the bombing in Oslo and the mass shooting at Utøya summer camp, while focusing on the human impact and the nation's response to the tragedy.

  • true story
  • real events
  • 2011 norway attacks
  • historical
Q11

What is the emotional tone of the film?

The film has a consistently dark tone given its subject matter of mass murder and extremism. However, the focus on survivor stories, particularly Viljar's journey, introduces a hopeful undercurrent about human resilience. The overall feel is bittersweet, justice is served but at immense human cost.

  • tone
  • mood
  • emotional
  • atmosphere
  • bittersweet

Movie threads

More Movies Like 22 July, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes 22 July tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

True stories of trauma and survival like 22 July

Gripping dramatizations of real-life tragedies and the human will to endure. For viewers seeking movies like 22 July, this section features gripping dramatizations of real-life tragedies. These films share a focus on the harrowing experience of survival, the long road to recovery, and the profound impact of historical events on individuals and society.

  • harrowing
  • sobering
  • tense
  • traumatic
  • gritty
  • anxious
  • Tone: dark, sobering, harrowing
  • Pacing: fast-paced initial crisis, steady recovery
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a peaceful normalcy that is shattered by a sudden, real-world calamity. The story then follows multiple perspectives—survivors, first responders, and sometimes the perpetrators—through the initial shock, the physical and psychological aftermath, and the pursuit of justice or meaning amidst tragedy.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their commitment to factual storytelling, their heavy emotional weight centered on trauma and resilience, and their unflinching look at the human cost of real-world violence and disaster.

Tense procedural aftermath dramas like 22 July

Stories where a single violent act triggers a complex investigation and legal reckoning. If you liked the second half of 22 July focusing on the legal defense and trial, explore these movies. They detail the high-stakes, methodical processes of investigation and courtroom drama that follow catastrophic events, maintaining tension through systemic conflict.

  • tense
  • gritty
  • procedural
  • anxious
  • sobering
  • courtroom
  • Tone: tense, gritty, dark
  • Pacing: fast-paced crisis, steady procedural
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative structure is often bifurcated: a fast-paced, high-intensity depiction of the inciting event is followed by a more deliberate, yet equally tense, exploration of its consequences. This includes police investigations, courtroom battles, and the psychological toll on those seeking justice, creating a gripping blend of chaos and order.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their dual narrative structure, combining visceral action with methodical procedure. They share a high-tension mood, a dark tone, and a focus on the complex, often frustrating, machinations of justice and institutional response.

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Movies Like 22 July

Similar movies to 22 July: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

22 July (2018) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about 22 July in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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