Watch Going Private

Going Private is a 2006 Danish drama film directed by Anders Gustafsson. The film revolves around the story of a wealthy Danish couple, Karla (Olivia Frolich) and Jacob (Mikki Levy), whose marriage has hit a rocky patch. Karla is a successful businesswoman, while Jacob is an artist attempting to make a name for himself. They have a young daughter together, but Karla feels that Jacob is not taking their marriage seriously and is unable to provide a stable family life for her daughter.

The film begins with Karla being informed that her company is being investigated for economic improprieties. Faced with the prospect of losing everything, Karla decides to take her family and flee to a tropical island in the Caribbean, where they can live in peace away from the stresses of their former lives. However, things do not go as planned when Jacob takes it upon himself to befriend a local woman named Nicolai (Selma Jamal Aldin), who works as a servant in the couple's villa. An attraction quickly develops between Jacob and Nicolai, leading to greater complications in the already-fragile marriage of Karla and Jacob.

The movie depicts the struggles that Karla faces in dealing with Jacob's infidelity and the pain it causes her. It also shows the ways in which she tries to hold on to her family and fight to make their relationship work. Meanwhile, Jacob grapples with his artistic aspirations and what it means to be a good father and husband, even as he begins to fall for Nicolai. Nicolai, for her part, is a complex character who brings her own unique energy to the film. She is initially wary of Jacob but eventually warms up to him, revealing a woman who is both vulnerable and strong.

One of the most striking aspects of Going Private is its cinematography. The film was shot on location in the Dominican Republic, and the lush, tropical scenery is captured beautifully on camera. The colors are vivid, and the landscapes are breathtaking. The camera work is also notable, with many scenes taking place in long, unbroken shots that emphasize the characters and their surroundings. The sound design is also impressive, with a haunting, operatic score that heightens the emotional impact of the story.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is its portrayal of race and class. Jacob and Karla are both wealthy, white Danes, while Nicolai is a black woman from the Dominican Republic. The movie does not shy away from the cultural differences between them, nor does it downplay the power dynamics at play. However, it also depicts a genuine affection and understanding between Jacob and Nicolai, which complicates the narrative in ways that feel authentic and nuanced.

Ultimately, Going Private is a character-driven drama that deals with universal themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. It is a beautifully shot, well-acted film that explores the complexities of human relationships with depth and sensitivity. Fans of European cinema and arthouse films should find much to enjoy here, as should anyone who appreciates a good story well-told.

Going Private is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 98 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.