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In Order of Disappearance (2016) movie poster

Characters & Themes

In Order of Disappearance (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 116 min · Norwegian
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Directed by
Hans Petter Moland
Starring
Jakob Oftebro, Bruno Ganz

Following the death of his son, a withdrawn snowplow driver named Nils begins to suspect foul play and investigates the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. His search leads him to uncover a dangerous connection between a powerful crime boss known as "The Count" and Serbian mobsters. Driven by grief and a desire for answers, Nils embarks on a path of vengeance, using his skills and machinery to confront those responsible, unintentionally sparking a violent and chaotic gang war with devastating consequences.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (2)
  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 In Order of Disappearance
  8. 8 Every angle
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2 main characters · contains spoilers

In Order of Disappearance Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of In Order of Disappearance (2016), 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.

  • Nils Dickman (Jakob Oftebro)

    Nils is a snow plow driver and the 'Citizen of the Year' in Tyos. Devastated by his son's death, he represents a man driven by despair and a thirst for justice. Nils evolves from a law-abiding citizen to a relentless avenger, showcasing the lengths a parent will go to in the face of tragedy.

    • 👨‍🌾 Father
    • 🔍 Determined
    • 🚀 Avenger
  • Greven (The Count)

    Greven is a formidable crime boss whose actions set off a chain reaction of violence and chaos. As a notorious vegan gangster, his character embodies the conflict between cruelty and moral codes within the world of crime. His ruthlessness and strategic mind contribute to the film's tension and unpredictability.

    • 👑 Gangster
    • 🔥 Ruthless
    • 🥦 Vegan

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

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Setting

Where and When Does In Order of Disappearance Take Place?

The setting of In Order of Disappearance (2016): 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

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting present-day societal issues such as drug use and gang violence. This time period showcases the complexities of modern crime and personal loss, influencing characters' decisions and moral dilemmas.

Location

Tyos, Norway

Tyos is a quaint town in Norway, known for its stunning winter landscapes and strong community ties. Celebrated for its local heroes, such as Nils Dickman, the town has a small, tight-knit population, which makes the tragic events within it hit even harder. The snow-covered environment plays a significant role in the film, embodying both beauty and isolation.

  • 🏔️ Scenic Town
  • 🚜 Work

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

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3 major themes

In Order of Disappearance Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is In Order of Disappearance (2016) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Vengeance

    Vengeance is a central theme, driving the narrative as Nils seeks justice for his son's wrongful death. This theme explores the consequences of revenge, where personal loss propels individuals into a cycle of violence. Nils's transformation from a grieving father to a vengeful figure raises questions about morality and the cost of pursuing justice.

  • Loss

    The theme of loss permeates the film, manifesting through Nils's grief over his son's death. This profound sorrow serves as a catalyst for Nils's actions, ultimately affecting all characters involved. The portrayal of loss highlights the emotional weight it carries, influencing choices and relationships throughout the narrative.

  • Identity

    Identity plays a crucial role, particularly in how loss and vengeance redefine Nils and other characters. As Nils embarks on his revenge quest, he confronts his past and his roles within family and society. The film explores how trauma can alter one's sense of self, pushing characters towards violent paths as they seek resolution.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

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Character & theme questions

In Order of Disappearance Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about In Order of Disappearance (2016): 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 In Order of Disappearance set?

The movie takes place in Tyos, a small town in Norway known for its stunning winter landscapes and tight-knit community. The snowy environment plays a significant role, creating both beauty and isolation that mirrors the story's emotional tone.

  • tyos norway setting snowy town location
Q2

When does the story take place?

The film is set in contemporary, present-day times, reflecting modern societal issues like drug use and gang violence. This modern setting showcases how crime and personal loss interact in today's world.

  • modern day contemporary setting time period
Q3

What is the main theme of In Order of Disappearance?

Vengeance is the central theme, driving the narrative as Nils seeks justice for his son's death. The film explores how personal loss propels individuals into a cycle of violence and raises questions about the morality and cost of pursuing revenge.

  • vengeance theme revenge main theme
Q4

How does loss factor into the movie?

Loss permeates the film through Nils's grief over his son's death. This profound sorrow acts as the catalyst for his actions, affecting all characters involved and influencing choices and relationships throughout the narrative.

  • loss grief death son theme
Q5

How does identity change throughout the story?

Identity plays a crucial role as loss and vengeance redefine Nils and other characters. As Nils pursues revenge, he confronts his past roles within family and society, showing how trauma can alter one's sense of self and push characters toward violent paths.

  • identity transformation character change Nils
Q6

Who is Nils Dickman?

Nils Dickman is a snow plow driver in Tyos who was named Citizen of the Year. Devastated by his son's death, he transforms from a grief-stricken father into a relentless avenger, showcasing the extreme lengths a parent will go to in the face of tragedy.

  • nils dickman snow plow driver citizen of year character
Q7

Who is The Count in the movie?

The Count, also called Greven, is a formidable crime boss who sets off the chain reaction of violence in the film. He is notably portrayed as a vegan gangster, which creates an interesting contrast between his moral dietary choices and his ruthless criminal actions.

  • the count greven crime boss villain character
Q8

What kind of movie is In Order of Disappearance?

In Order of Disappearance is an action thriller with black comedy elements. The film has a dark tone reflecting serious themes of loss and criminal brutality, though it uses irony and absurdity within its dark framework, giving it a bleakly humorous quality.

  • action thriller black comedy genre tone
Q9

What does the title mean?

The title 'In Order of Disappearance' refers to how characters in the film vanish one by one as the revenge plot unfolds. It also hints at the gradual disappearance of Nils's former identity as he transforms from a grieving father into a vengeful figure.

  • title meaning disappearance order
Q10

Is the ending of the movie bleak?

The film has a bleak ending where the two surviving fathers, Nils and The Count, form an alliance based on mutual loss. This chilling conclusion offers no catharsis or justice, instead representing a continuation of the cycle of violence.

  • bleak ending conclusion cycle violence
Q11

Is In Order of Disappearance a Norwegian film?

Yes, In Order of Disappearance is a Norwegian film set in the small town of Tyos, Norway. It features Norwegian actors and explores themes of crime and vengeance within a Scandinavian setting.

  • norwegian film norway scandinavian

Movie threads

More Movies Like In Order of Disappearance, by Mood & Story

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

Vigilante revenge movies that spark chaos like In Order of Disappearance

When a single act of revenge ignites a bloody and chaotic chain reaction. If you liked the snowballing gang war in In Order of Disappearance, explore these movies about vengeance spiraling out of control. These similar action thrillers feature lone protagonists whose personal quests for justice unintentionally ignite devastating and wide-reaching conflicts.

  • vengeful
  • chaotic
  • tense
  • grim
  • unrelenting
  • methodical
  • Tone: dark, bleak, tense
  • Pacing: steady build to chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist, often an ordinary person pushed to the edge by a personal tragedy, who takes matters into their own hands. Their targeted act of retaliation, however, misinterprets a complex situation or triggers a powerful response from a criminal organization, escalating into a full-blown war with catastrophic consequences for everyone involved.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared narrative engine: the theme of misunderstood revenge. They feature a steady, methodical pacing that builds to chaotic violence, a dark and bleak tone, and a heavy emotional weight centered on loss. The experience is defined by the tension between a personal mission and the uncontrollable chaos it unleashes.

Grim and gritty crime thrillers with a cold tone like In Order of Disappearance

Cold, methodical stories set against bleak landscapes where crime and grief collide. Fans of the cold, vengeful atmosphere of In Order of Disappearance will find more movies like it here. These similar thrillers share a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and bleak endings, often set in stark landscapes that mirror the characters' internal desolation and the brutal reality of the criminal world.

  • grim
  • cold
  • tense
  • melancholic
  • brutal
  • unrelenting
  • Tone: dark, bleak, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread are typically straightforward or moderately complex, focusing on a descent into a criminal underworld driven by a personal motivator like loss or betrayal. The setting often acts as a character itself, reflecting the internal coldness and isolation of the protagonist. The journey is steady and tense, leading to conclusions that offer little catharsis, emphasizing the harsh and cyclical nature of violence.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here based on their cohesive, oppressive vibe. They share a high-intensity, dark tone, steady pacing, and a heavy emotional core. The combination of a cold aesthetic, grim mood, and themes of criminal brutality and personal trauma creates a specific, immersive experience for viewers seeking uncompromisingly stark thrillers.

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Every angle

In Order of Disappearance (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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

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