Watch Going West
- R
- 2017
- 1 hr 15 min
-
6.3 (143)
Going West is a Norwegian comedy-drama film that was released in 2017, directed by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken. The film is centered around an interesting premise where a young woman named Zoe (played by Iben Akerlie) inherits a house from her late grandfather, which she wants to sell, but the terms of the sale require her to go to the remote location and live there for two weeks.
The story takes place in a mysterious small town in Norway, far away from the city, and Zoe is not thrilled about going there. But, she has no other choice, and she sets out for her adventure. Zoe reaches there, and she discovers a unique community of people who are all charming, but strange in their ways, and she starts to learn about her family's past, which becomes a crucial part of the story.
As Zoe tries to settle into her new lifestyle, she meets various interesting characters who live in the town. There is Lars, a local man who is in love with her, and she is resistant to him. Another character, Trond, who is a postal worker and who delivers the mail to her house every day, is a source of comic relief. Then there is Pia, Lars's sister, a practical, down-to-earth woman who develops an interest in Zoe and tries to help her out.
As Zoe spends more time in the town, she discovers secrets about her family and learns things that change her perspective on life. The film delicately weaves together Zoe's story with those of others in the town, and as such, it is a great film to watch if you love character-centered movies that beautifully depict human interactions.
Throughout the film, Iben Akerlie is commendable in her role as Zoe, and you get to see her go through the phases of resistance, adoption, and acceptance as she spends more time in the town. She manages to pull off the comedy elements of the film very well, as she portrays a witty, sarcastic, and sometimes stubborn young woman.
Henrik Mestad, who plays the role of the local man Lars, is charming and endearing in his portrayal of the character. Marte Germaine Christensen, who plays the role of Pia, does a great job portraying a practical and caring woman who is willing to lend a helping hand to Zoe. The supporting cast is equally impressive and imbues the film with a genuinely warm and embracing atmosphere.
The visuals of the film are stunning and serve to highlight the magnificence of the Norwegian countryside. The scenic beauty is captured perfectly by the director's skilled camera work, which creates a perfect ambiance of mystique and solitude, thereby capturing the essence of the story's location.
Going West is a film that is close to life, and it never tries to be too far-fetched. The characters are realistic and their motivations are relatable. It is also a movie that sheds light on the importance of heritage and the value of forging connections with people, irrespective of their background.
In conclusion, Going West is a charming, humorous, and heartfelt film that is worth watching. It's perfect for fans of movies that showcase personal growth, community connections, and an appreciation for the beauty of life.
Going West is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.