Reprise review

Norwegian writer-director Joachim Trier makes his feature debut with this breezily ambitious melodrama, chronicling the highs and lows of two twentysomething best friends. Erik (Espen Klouman Hoiner) and Phillip (Anders Danielsen Lie) both dream of penning a generation-defining novel. Yet literary success can’t stop Phillip’s feelings for girlfriend Kari (Viktoria Winge) becoming dangerously obsessional… Convincingly acted by a mainly non-pro cast, the Oslo-set Reprise blends the playful spirit of early Truffaut with a punk-rock sensibility (a pash for thrash provides communal glue for the guys’ social circle). Style is mirrored by content, Trier’s non-linear storytelling (unnamed narrator, imagined versions of events) credibly reflecting the characters’ turbulent inner worlds.