The Wait

... the film 'The Wait' is bold in its controversial depiction of a brief affair between a rural pastor's spouse, and a past lover with whom she had many years ago been intensely-involved (still is) ... Inka Kallen co-authoring a screenplay of merit but surely to be upsetting for many who regard the wife's actions as exceptionally-deplorable abusively-cruel-controlling, and her husband's blind-simpleminded... (yet very intuitive... were he have to gone-in-fists-flailing in that highly dramatic scene , it would've cost him her... playing-longer-game.. yet keeping YKW in back of pickup just-in-case)

... very well produced and acted, it should remain one of the classic examples of the cheating-wife-genre, along with many other much more well-known-established films... its slow-pacing and lack of more extensive dialogue may be off-putting for some, but all-in-all it is an exceptional work... every detail matters, saying more than just being part of scenery or props... ocean-swims... wardrobe... doorways... music/sounds... lighting (or lack thereof)... oversized-rock on-her-finger (highlighted so many scenes, s/b listed in the credits)... et al

... everyone only watching this film once misses opportunity of realizing its full weight-meaning-innuendos... and should you choose viewing it again, be sure to do it half-speed... double-time-viewing, yet many more times an experience

... Elli, Makko, Olavi, Liina too... these are all great characters, would have loved seeing them in a series-long-production (mini or longer) where their depth could be more explored... Odotus just a 101 minute introduction to their complicated-histories-personalities-lives... having been introduced, now leaving us all 'waiting' wanting for more.

I have to admit, I've seen little Finnish cinema in the past; a lot more Swedish and Norwegian. But The Wait is undoubtedly worth the wait (Pardon the pun.). It's a slow - burning drama from director Aku Louhimies, who is apparently quite experienced and who co - wrote this movie along with lead actress Inka Kallén, adapting it from a very well known nineteenth century Finnish novel.

The Wait is not a great movie, but it is a very interesting one for anyone like me, who is keen on seeing more Finnish product. For a start, the summer coastal scenery is just stunning, with the whole movie being set on an unnamed, underpopulated island off the coast, accessible by ferry. Elli (Kallen) lives there along with her preacher husband Mikko. The congregation of his decidedly progressive church as a whole seem to be mostly made up of thirty somethings (unrealistically I'd suggest), bent on having a good time while on their island paradise. Elli and Mikko seem to have a very satisfying marriage, which somewhat predictably suffers some tremors, with the arrival of Phd student Olavi, an old bestie of Mikko's. But seemingly unknown to Mikko, also an old flame of Elli's, who in the past dumped her; an act we find out, she never quite got over.

It's kind of amusing reading other reviews here, which complain, The Wait has no story. Indeed it has a very clear story, but one that isn't filled with reams of dialogue and exposition. Elli initially appears to be a traditional house wife, content to carry out domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and supporting her husband further with her presence at church, even though we sense she doesn't hold anywhere near as strong religious beliefs. We gradually learn however she is a fiercely independent woman in her own right, who has in the past trod her own definite path in life and who intends to keep doing so in the future. It becomes clear there will be some sort of reckoning between her and Olavi and the suspense comes in attempting to determine how this relationship will impact her marriage.

Inka Kallen in the central role carries the picture on her shoulders and does an excellent job, considering as I mentioned, she doesn't have the large amount of dialogue, that one might expect in a film of this nature. But she is marvellously expressive at communicating her inner self and feelings with her body language and facial impressions. The supporting cast are all very competent.

Without spoiling, I'd like to say, that I appreciated the conclusion in The Wait. It teases moments of melodrama, but deftly avoids tipping over the edge into a morass of standard outcomes. The ending is very satisfying and quite realistic in the context of what has preceded it in this very worthwhile film.

I often wonder why people bother leaving a review, maybe folk have to much time on their hands...A good example is the first review here...To quote. ''I had no foggiest idea what this piece was actually all about''. Yet still felt obliged to give three stars. Maybe it was genius, but because you don't know, it's rubbish. Well it's not. It's an art movie made with total skill and direction. It empowers women without degrading men. It moves at the perfect pace and, of course those Finns know how to do dark, minimal dialogue, beauty in the location. Inka Kallén is spectacular. But no surprise as she stole the show in All the sins. Aku Louhimies ,YES, I forgive you for rig45, is back on form...thank you for making movies like this. I'm glad Marvel fans don't get it.

So in modern day diverse dialog if a man does this to his wife, he is going to be called many unpleasant names.. But, If a woman does this, well, a girl needs what she needs. More power to her. You go girl you go!

See the double standard here?

And I really tried to find a fault in her husband but couldn't really.

So, what are we advocating here in the name of women empowerment and other slogans we hear nowadays? Classic marriage is so ancient? Being faithful to your spouse is so passé ? Let's drop all people and their culture in blender and make a new mix of brave new generation?

I can only hope that some of crazy trends and ideas we're witnessing today eventually simmers down and fade away, like 70's hippies and the like .

Beautiful landscape surrounds this very current movie and topic on female debating with issues: love, lust, wants and needs. Who am I and with whom?

Classical music adds depth and intensity to the story with the big question: am I happy? How to be happy?

Relevant reflection piece for anyone in a relationship or not in one. Worth seeing for the nature alone.