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Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2012 · 76 min · Norwegian
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Directed by
Jannicke Systad Jacobsen
Starring
Beate Støfring, Helene Bergsholm, Henriette Steenstrup, Malin Bjørhovde

In the quiet Norwegian town of Skoddeheimen, fifteen-year-old Alma struggles with the overwhelming effects of puberty and her burgeoning desires. Caught up in a crush on Artur and grappling with other fantasies, she experiences rejection from her peers and increasing isolation at school. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Alma must confront the challenges of adolescence and find her place in a world that feels increasingly confusing.

Comedy Cast, crew & box office
On this page (7)
  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 Every angle
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2 main characters · contains spoilers

Turn Me On, Dammit! Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012), 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.

  • Alma

    played by Malin Bjørhovde

    Alma is a 15-year-old girl who embarks on a journey of sexual discovery amidst the trials of adolescence. She experiences social isolation and bullying as her peers respond to her explorations in negative ways. Alma ultimately confronts her desires and seeks acceptance from those around her.

    • 👧 Youth
    • ❤️ Discovery
    • 💔 Bullying

  • Artur

    Artur is a fellow student and the object of Alma's affections. His initial actions lead to a complicated relationship with Alma, oscillating between desire and rejection. Throughout the film, Artur embodies the complexities of teenage relationships.

    • 👦 Romance
    • 💔 Complication

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

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Setting

Where and When Does Turn Me On, Dammit! Take Place?

The setting of Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012): 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 time period is contemporary, aligning with modern adolescent experiences and issues related to sexual exploration and social dynamics. It reflects the current challenges faced by teenagers in navigating relationships and societal expectations.

Location

Skoddeheimen, Norway

Skoddeheimen is a quaint town in Norway, known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm. This setting serves as the backdrop for Alma's journey of self-discovery and highlights the struggles of adolescence within a close-knit community.

  • 🏞️ Location
  • 🌍 Norway

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

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3 major themes

Turn Me On, Dammit! Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Youth and Desire

    The theme of youth and desire is prevalent throughout the film, portraying Alma's struggles with her burgeoning sexuality. It explores the excitement and confusion that accompany this developmental stage, accentuated by societal judgment and peer pressure.

  • Friendship and Betrayal

    Alma's relationships with her friends are central to the narrative, especially as they navigate trust and loyalty amidst her struggles. The betrayal she experiences from her peers highlights the often harsh realities of adolescent interactions.

  • Isolation and Acceptance

    Alma faces significant isolation due to bullying and her struggles with identity. The film ultimately navigates the journey towards self-acceptance and the unconditional love of a parent, showcasing the importance of understanding and support.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

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Character & theme questions

Turn Me On, Dammit! Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012): 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 the movie set?

The movie takes place in Skoddeheimen, a small Norwegian town known for its picturesque landscapes and close-knit community atmosphere. This rural setting emphasizes Alma's isolation and the challenges of growing up in a confined social environment.

  • skoddeheimen
  • norway
  • setting
  • small town
Q2

What kind of place is Skoddeheimen?

Skoddeheimen is presented as a quaint, traditional Norwegian town that serves as both a beautiful and restrictive backdrop. The small-town setting intensifies Alma's feelings of being watched and judged, as rumors spread quickly in the tight community.

  • skoddeheimen
  • norway
  • rural
  • community
Q3

When does the story take place?

The story is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern adolescent experiences with sexuality, social dynamics, and the challenges teenagers face navigating relationships and societal expectations today.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • present day
  • time period
Q4

What is the Youth and Desire theme about?

This theme explores Alma's struggles with her burgeoning sexuality during puberty. The film portrays both the excitement and confusion that come with sexual awakening, while examining how societal judgment and peer pressure amplify the challenges of adolescence.

  • youth
  • desire
  • sexuality
  • puberty
  • adolescence
Q5

What does the Friendship and Betrayal theme explore?

The theme focuses on Alma's relationships with her friends and how trust and loyalty are tested during her struggles. It highlights the harsh realities of adolescent interactions, showing how peer betrayal can compound the difficulties of growing up.

  • friendship
  • betrayal
  • trust
  • peers
  • social dynamics
Q6

What is the Isolation and Acceptance theme about?

This theme addresses Alma's significant isolation caused by bullying and her struggle with identity. The narrative follows her journey toward self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of parental love and understanding from those around her.

  • isolation
  • acceptance
  • bullying
  • self identity
  • parent love
Q7

Who is Alma?

Alma is a 15-year-old girl who undergoes a journey of sexual discovery while coping with the trials of adolescence. She experiences social isolation and bullying from her peers due to her explorations, ultimately learning to confront her desires and seek acceptance.

  • alma
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • teenager
Q8

Who is Artur?

Artur is a fellow student and the object of Alma's affection. Their relationship is complicated, oscillating between desire and rejection. He represents the complexities of teenage relationships and the confusion that comes with romantic attraction during adolescence.

  • artur
  • love interest
  • crush
  • romance
Q9

What is the tone of the movie?

The film has a primarily light and comedic tone, treating Alma's awkward struggles with relatable humor rather than heavy drama. It maintains a balanced approach, combining humorous awkwardness with genuine emotional moments about bullying and social ostracization.

  • tone
  • comedy
  • humor
  • lighthearted
  • balanced
Q10

How is the story structured?

The narrative is straightforward and centered on Alma's perspective, following a linear progression from the incident with Artur through her subsequent isolation, job experience, and eventual confrontation. The story avoids complex subplots, focusing instead on character-driven moments.

  • narrative
  • structure
  • linear
  • storytelling
  • perspective
Q11

Is the ending hopeful or definitive?

The ending is ambiguous, leaving Alma and Artur's relationship unresolved but not hopeless. This reflects the uncertain nature of adolescence itself, suggesting that personal growth is an ongoing process rather than a definitive conclusion.

  • ending
  • ambiguity
  • resolution
  • future
  • adolescence

Movie threads

More Movies Like Turn Me On, Dammit!, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Turn Me On, Dammit! tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Turn Me On, Dammit! with awkward teenage stories

Candid coming-of-age films about the cringey, confusing reality of adolescence. If you liked the candid humor and relatable cringe of Turn Me On, Dammit!, explore more movies like it. This thread collects similar coming-of-age stories that find comedy and heart in the awkward realities of teenage life, sexual awakening, and social isolation.

  • awkward
  • candid
  • quirky
  • yearning
  • relatable
  • isolated
  • Tone: light, candid, awkwardly humorous
  • Pacing: steady, observational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a young protagonist navigating the turbulent waters of puberty and social dynamics. The plot is often driven by a specific incident of embarrassment or rejection that amplifies their feelings of isolation, leading to a personal journey of self-discovery that is more about small realizations than grand resolutions.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the vulnerable, humorous, and often painful experience of adolescence. They connect through a light but candid tone, a steady, character-driven pace, and a commitment to portraying teenage desire and social anxiety without judgment or sugar-coating.

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Films about quirky isolation in small towns like Turn Me On, Dammit!

Stories of peculiar characters feeling out of place in a mundane setting. Fans of Turn Me On, Dammit! will enjoy this collection of movies with a similar feel of quirky characters navigating life in a small, restrictive town. Discover similar stories that blend humor and melancholy, exploring themes of yearning and feeling misunderstood in a close-knit community.

  • quirky
  • isolated
  • yearning
  • small town
  • candid
  • melancholic
  • Tone: light, melancholic, quirky
  • Pacing: steady, contemplative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern centers on a character whose internal world—filled with fantasy, desire, or eccentricity—clashes with the subdued, conventional reality of their small-town surroundings. The conflict is often internal and societal, as the protagonist grapples with their identity against a backdrop of gossip, tradition, and limited horizons.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific mood blend: the melancholy of isolation mixed with the humor of quirkiness, all set against the muted canvas of small-town life. They are united by a steady pace that allows for character observation, a medium emotional weight, and an ambiguous sense of whether the protagonist will escape or simply learn to cope.

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Pottersville

2017
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It Happens Every Thursday

1953
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New in Town

2009
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Quiet Weekend

1946
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The Lonely Guy

1984
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Small Town Santa

2014
Funny Farm movie poster

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1988
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1997

Every angle

Turn Me On, Dammit! (2012) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Turn Me On, Dammit! 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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