‘Quisling -The Final Days’ Review: A Superb Historical Drama About the Far-Right’s Threat to Democracy

As a movie enthusiast with a deep appreciation for historical dramas that delve into the complexities of human nature, I found “Quisling –The Final Days” to be a gripping and thought-provoking masterpiece. Having lived through the aftermath of World War II and witnessed the consequences of collaboration and authoritarianism, this film resonated with me on a deeply personal level.

The film “Quisling -The Final Days,” a powerful blend of historical depth and profound psychological analysis, presents a gripping portrayal of a delusional authoritarian figure, as masterfully crafted by Norwegian director Erik Poppe (“1,000 Times Good Night”). This work can be seen as a sort of companion piece to “The King’s Choice,” his 2016 success that focused on the initial three days of Germany’s invasion of Norway in 1940. Five years later, “Quisling” delves back into the occupation era and its consequences, focusing on Vidkun Quisling (Gard B. Eidsvold), a historical figure who served as a puppet leader during wartime, collaborating with the Nazis. His name has since become synonymous with betrayal.

This film offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on its main theme, as portrayed by Poppe and his team of writers. They explore it through the context of secret conversations between Quisling and pastor Peder Olsen (played by Anders Danielsen Lie, known for “The Worst Person in the World”), who was tasked by Oslo’s bishop to guide Quisling towards repentance and forgiveness. These discussions, recorded in Olsen’s previously undisclosed diary from that period, served as the basis for the script. The movie delves into the chilling relevance of an autocratic leader’s complex psyche, showcasing standout performances by the two leads, stunning visuals, and authentic period set design. This is a captivating cinematic journey that should appeal to art-house distributors worldwide.

On May 8, 1945, marking the end of five years of German rule over Norway, Minister-President Quisling was apprehended and detained. His wish for house arrest was unrealistic at best. The nation sought retribution and demanded accountability from Quisling for his actions and the crimes committed in the name of Nazi beliefs. Among those desiring justice most fervently was young prison guard Arvid (Arthur Hakalathi), whose brother was among the Norwegian resistance fighters killed under Quisling’s regime. He aimed to make Quisling’s imprisonment as uncomfortable as possible for him.

Realizing that Norway must face its historical wrongs for healing, but worried that this process might elevate Quisling into a martyr, Bishop Berggrav (Lasse Kolsrud) chooses hospital chaplain Olsen as the prisoner’s spiritual guide due to his ability to discern character. In order to hide his role from his wife Heidi (Lisa Loven Kongsli, “Force Majeure”), Olsen initially feels hopeful, but their discussions push him close to losing his faith.

Facing accusations for treason and other offenses, Quisling argued in court that his actions were for the nation’s benefit, disregarding his lawyer Henrik Bergh’s advice to declare himself mentally unfit. However, as Quisling’s extravagant claims were debunked by evidence both inside and outside of the courtroom, Olsen was filled with self-doubt – about his vocation, his convictions, and a fateful wartime decision he made concerning his family.

When Vidkun Quisling boasts about aiding more Jews than anyone else in Norway, his remark echoes the exaggerated statements of a particular U.S. presidential contender in an unsettling way. However, the prosecution refutes Quisling’s claim through the chilling account of Norwegian Jewish concentration camp survivor, Dr. Leo Eitinger (Benjamin L. Røsler). Eitinger points to Quisling’s antisemitic speeches and reveals that out of the approximately 1,000 Jews deported from Norway, only 12 survived. Furthermore, Quisling’s intense fear of Bolshevism, which he developed while working in the Soviet Union, recalls Vladimir Putin’s concerns over alleged “Nazis” in Ukraine.

In this gripping narrative, I find myself navigating through a prison, courtroom, Olsen’s residence, and the home of Quisling’s Ukrainian wife, Maria – as portrayed in “The Emigrants.” This intricate dance reveals two starkly contrasting unions. Heidi Olsen’s perspective on Quisling mirrors that of many Norwegians; she believes he knowingly perpetrated heinous acts and desires him to grovel for forgiveness before his execution. Despite my initial confusion, Heidi eventually demonstrates her unwavering support. Conversely, Maria Quisling appears to fan the flames of her husband’s darkest impulses and distorted mindset, urging him never to yield or renounce his convictions.

Since Quisling hailed from a lineage of four generations of priests, his debates with Olsen offer intriguing intellectual clashes regarding New Testament interpretation. In his debut major film role, the exceptional Eidsvold, whose own father was tragically tortured under the Quisling regime, frequently explodes in anger and bravado when his actions and decisions are scrutinized. Simultaneously, Lie, in a equally powerful but less flamboyant part, demonstrates deep compassion.

Regardless of the abundance of dialogues, Poppe and his crew manage to keep the viewing experience thrilling from a cinematic perspective. Unlike several directors who opt for sepia or frosty blues in period pieces, this film showcases a vibrant visual spectrum of greens and reds that perfectly complement the settings. Swedish DP Jonas Alarik’s close-up shots capture Quisling in confined, dimly lit spaces, giving an impression as if the walls are pressing in on him. Simultaneously, the nerve-wracking score by Jonas Colstrup instills a sense of impending doom, making the world appear unstable and on the verge of collapse.

2024-09-09 06:46

‘Quisling -The Final Days’ Review: A Superb Historical Drama About the Far-Right’s Threat to Democracy

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