The Outlaws/De Fredlose

The Outlaws is based on a true story depicting a tragic tale of doomed love amongst a backdrop of complex human experiences, wrapped up as a noteworthy Norwegian thriller. The Outlaws is set in the 1920s Eastern Norway. The film focuses on the adventures and struggles of a ‘not out’ lumberjack, Johannes (Asmund Hoeg). As a coming-of-age young man, he falls in love with the older charismatic villain, Mikael (Filip Berg), not just as a love interest but notably as a protector. The audience follows the pair on a lawless crusade through the alluring landscapes of Norway, filled with bold moments that test their relationship. What’s striking about this film is not just the cinematography, the dynamic mise-en-scene, timely costumes, and a beautiful steam train, but the gripping moments of emotive memories shared with the audience through carefully crafted flashbacks. There’s a slight but unavoidable budget feel to this overall production. Consequently, for some viewers, it may lack finesse, but for others, it could be the film’s charm. When the film’s director Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken was asked if he would change anything about his film, one of Norway’s most prolific directors had this to say: “Ah nah, I wouldn’t change anything.” Overall, this is a well-written film, executed successfully and will keep the viewer in anticipation.