Watch While We Live

While We Live is a 2017 Danish drama directed by Mehdi Avaz. The film follows the life of Sebastian (Sebastian Jessen), a young man who is struggling with addiction and the tragic loss of his girlfriend. Despite his efforts to move on, he finds himself constantly haunted by her memory, unable to let go of his past. The story unfolds as Sebastian receives an unexpected visit from his estranged father, who he has not seen in over a decade. His father, who is dying from cancer, wants to reconnect with his son before it is too late. Despite his reservations, Sebastian agrees to spend some time with him, and the two embark on a journey to confront their troubled past and forge a new relationship.

Throughout the film, Sebastian's struggles with addiction are a recurring theme. His addiction is portrayed as both a cause and a symptom of his pain, as he tries to numb himself from the memories and emotions that he cannot face. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of addiction, depicting the chaos, despair, and destruction it can wreak on a person's life.

At the same time, the film is also a meditation on love, loss, and the power of human connection. Sebastian's journey with his father forces him to confront his own feelings of guilt and regret, and to come to terms with the fact that he cannot change the past. As he begins to open up and let others into his heart, he starts to see a glimmer of hope for the future.

The performances in the film are all top-notch, particularly Sebastian Jessen's portrayal of the troubled and vulnerable protagonist. Jessen brings a raw intensity to his performance, perfectly conveying the inner turmoil of a man who is at war with himself.

Julie Christiansen is also excellent as Sebastian's mother, a strong and caring woman who is struggling to hold her family together amidst the chaos. Her performance is understated but powerful, conveying a deep sense of empathy and compassion for her son's struggles.

Nikolaj Groth rounds out the cast with a nuanced turn as Sebastian's father. Despite his initial harshness towards his son, Groth slowly reveals a softer side to his character, as he tries to make amends for his mistakes and connect with his estranged son.

Visually, the film is stunning, with Avaz using a mix of handheld and static shots to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The use of natural lighting and muted colors also adds to the film's somber and introspective tone.

Overall, While We Live is a gripping and emotionally resonant drama, with powerful performances and a poignant message about the power of love and human connection. It is a film that is sure to linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits have rolled.

While We Live is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.