Lyckantropen

Directed by Steven Ericsson.

Swedish short film LYCKANTROPEN is an atmospheric Lynchian piece, documenting - well, something - happening to a couple and their daughter. From the outset it's clear that all is not well in this family; whether this is due to the paranoia of the father, the behaviour of the mother, or if it is really happening is never clarified. Ericsson never reveals much, leaving most of the plot to the guesswork of the viewer. This makes LYCKANTROPEN the sort of film you can talk about for a long while afterwards, despite the fact the movie is just thirty minutes in length.

Despite the title, the werewolf theme is strictly symbolic, perhaps representing the husband's ability to change character so abruptly, or the evil present deep within us all. This is a theme maintained throughout, while other motifs hint at yet darker subplots. Lynchian parallels can also be drawn with the desolate, pitch black atmosphere positively dripping from every shot in LYCKANTROPEN. Minimalistic dialogue and a plot told primarily through imagery rather than narration, as well as a high proportion of night scenes create a seedy ambience. This is amplified by murky day-time scenes, and not once, even driving through suburbia, do you see other people, speaking of run-down urban isolation. The soundscapes of Ulver - sometimes relying on drones and stripped down ambient, and at other times on noise - fit perfectly, while the carefully controlled lighting conveys with style the dingy surroundings.

Ericsson's direction is solid; conducive to the manner in which the plot is conveyed, it highlights mundane objects which are of importance, and creates an elegant, professional film on a limited budget. Some may complain that the symbolism is forced/conspicuous (perhaps a legitimate complaint), but there is still a great deal of mystery within the story. And with only thirty minutes running time, being understated wouldn't make for easier interpretation. Special features on this Vendlus NTSC, region zero release include a trailer, deleted scenes, "The Sound Of Wolves" - documenting the recording of wolf sounds used throughout, a production slide show, and actor interviews in the form of "Reflections On Lyckantropen". Another bonus is the twenty minute interview with Ulver, documenting their transgression from black-metal, through folk, jazz noir, and glitch, to their current ambient style.

All of this makes for a professional and well-presented release, and a film perfect for late night-watching. For the most part, it is a stripped down and atmospheric piece of work, with some truly dark and shiver-inducing moments. Complaints levelled at it by my fellow viewers suggested it was dull, overly pretentious, and didn't have enough character exposition. Such criticisms are valid to a greater or lesser extent depending on your tastes, but considering the budget and trying conditions under which LYCKANTROPEN was filmed, the final product is great achievement. While it is not recommended to those who dislike ambiguous plots and unclear endings, for everyone else this sumptuously melancholy and bleak yet beautiful short film is well worth seeing.

Special Features

Trailer
Deleted Scenes
The Sound of Wolves - Documentary
Production Slide Show
Reflections of Lyckantropen - Interviews with the actors.
Interview with 'Ulver' - 20 minute interview with band who provided the music score.

Visit Vendlus Records to find out more: http://www.lyckantropen.com/

Russell Garwood