TL;DR
Alicia Vikander stars in *Euphoria* as a sister reuniting with her estranged sibling, leading to a journey of unexpected revelations. While Vikander’s performance finds its footing mid-film, Eva Green delivers a transformative and secretive turn. Charles Dance and Charlotte Rampling also impress in supporting roles. The film’s script has some underdeveloped moments, and directorial choices occasionally misdirect emotional impact, but the narrative structure, unfolding from Vikander's perspective, offers compelling drama. Dive into the full review to discover if this emotional journey is worth taking.
Alicia Vikander has achieved widespread recognition through her rapidly ascending career, with her upcoming role as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider further solidifying her presence. In Euphoria, she also takes on the role of producer. The film is directed by Lisa Langseth, who previously directed Till det som är Vackert, Vikander’s debut film, and Hotell, marking another collaboration between the two.
Sisters Ines (Alicia Vikander) and Emilie (Eva Green) reunite after a considerable period of estrangement. Their relationship is initially strained, but they eventually arrange a meeting. Emilie proposes a trip to a location of great personal significance. Ines agrees, but soon discovers that Emilie has been less than forthcoming about their destination and the urgency of their reunion.
Alicia Vikander portrays Ines, and while her initial interpretation of the role felt somewhat unconvincing, a turning point occurs midway through the film, drawing the viewer in. Her performance is compelling, demonstrating a clear dedication to the project. The initial disconnect stems more from perceived shortcomings in the script rather than Vikander’s acting ability.
Eva Green delivers a remarkable and transformative performance. Subdued and understated, her character harbors a central secret that drives the narrative. To reveal this secret would be to spoil the plot, but Green showcases her usual skill, contributing numerous impactful scenes to the film.
Charles Dance impresses.Charles Dance initially gained prominence with his role in the 1980s classic, The Golden Child, alongside Eddie Murphy. He also appeared in Den siste Action Hjälten with Arnold Schwarzenegger. After a period of relative absence, he has returned to prominence in recent years, notably with his role in Game of Thrones. In Euphoria, Dance portrays a character Ines encounters towards the end of her journey, delivering a remarkably powerful performance. The equally talented Charlotte Rampling also warrants mention for her significant role in the film.
It is a charged meeting at the airport.Lisa Langseth serves as both director and screenwriter for the film. The narrative structure is well-developed, with the story unfolding from Ines’s perspective. However, the plot occasionally feels somewhat underdeveloped. Certain choices made by Ines appear contrived, serving primarily to extend the film’s duration, suggesting the script could have benefited from further refinement. Langseth’s direction is generally strong, particularly in a well-executed and acted confrontation between the sisters. However, a prolonged camera shot focusing on Eva Green towards the film’s conclusion felt somewhat excessive. While the director’s intention is clear, a focus on Ines at that juncture might have amplified the scene’s emotional impact. Despite the film’s emotional depth and moments of levity, its overall impact remains somewhat muted, eliciting a strong emotional response only sporadically towards the end.
Charlotte Rampling has an important role in Euphoria.In conclusion, Euphoria proved to be a captivating cinematic experience due to my limited prior knowledge of the film. Approaching the film with minimal preconceptions enhanced the element of surprise and intrigue. Familiarizing oneself with too much detail before viewing may diminish the impact of its narrative twists.
