Force Majeure

Force Majeure

Year: 2014

Runtime: 120 min

Language: Swedish

Director: Ruben Östlund

DramaComedy

While enjoying a ski vacation in the French Alps, a Swedish family's idyllic lunch is shattered by an avalanche. During the chaos, the father's instinctive reaction to prioritize his own safety—and his failure to protect his family—is revealed, deeply affecting his wife and children. The incident exposes underlying tensions within the marriage and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about their relationship and Tomas's role as a husband and father. The experience irrevocably alters their dynamic and leaves them questioning their future together.

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In the crisp, sun‑bleached expanse of a luxury resort perched in the French Alps, a Swedish family seeks the simple pleasure of a winter getaway. The towering peaks and endless white slopes create a world that feels both isolated and radiant, a place where everyday concerns seem to melt away under the weight of the mountains. Yet the pristine landscape also serves as a silent witness to the subtle frictions that pulse beneath the surface of the seemingly harmonious group.

At the heart of the story are Tomas, a confident businessman whose calm demeanor masks a deeper need for control, and his wife Ebba, a Norwegian who balances warmth with an undercurrent of restless ambition. Their children—Vera, an inquisitive little girl, and Harry, a precocious preschooler—bring both buoyancy and tension, their innocent curiosity often highlighting the adult unease. The family’s interactions are framed by a tone that blends quiet humor with an almost clinical observation of human behavior, inviting the audience to linger on the unspoken dynamics that shape each exchange.

A sudden, controlled avalanche erupts while the family enjoys a casual al fresco lunch, momentarily turning the idyllic scene into a tableau of fear and instinct. The incident acts as a catalyst, gently exposing the hidden cracks in the couple’s marriage and prompting questions about roles, responsibilities, and personal courage. As the snow settles, the film lingers on the lingering glances, the half‑spoken apologies, and the subtle shift in how the family perceives one another, setting a contemplative stage for the delicate unraveling of their shared narrative.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 05:03

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Force Majeure

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Force Majeure

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