THE WILD DUCK, the film adaptation of Norwegian Henrik Ibsen’s play, was called THE DAUGHTER in the original version. Both titles refer at least indirectly to newcomer Odessa Young who plays the teenager Hedvig and is the key figure of the intense drama in many ways. Hedvik lives with her parents Oliver and Charlotte somewhere in Australian New South Wales. Businessman Henry lives there too and is about to get married for the second time to the younger housekeeper Anna. Henry’s son Christian travels to the wedding after being away for 15 years. Eaten up by self-pity and hatred, he reveals a secret that threatens to destroy both families.
Australian theater director Simon Stone has already put on THE WILD DUCK as a play which makes the cinematic quality of this film that much more astounding. The pointed dialogue and excellent actors enrich the thrilling and existential drama that is reminiscent of Vinterberg’s masterpiece DAS FEST in its most intensive moments. Misty, blue-tinted handheld images with immediacy lend emotional tension that manifests itself in small overtones and meaningful looks till things come to a head. Christian’s alcoholism serves as an accelerant. The one who suffers most in the end is Odessa Young who embodies Hedvig so well. Like the wild duck who is shot in the sky and needs to relearn how to fly, she is a victim of her circumstances.

Christian Horn

Translation: Elinor Lewy