Utøya: July 22

Utøya: July 22 is a 2018 Norwegian drama film directed by Erik Poppe, based on the real-life events of the 2011 Norway attacks. The film is a poignant and intense portrayal of the terror that erupted on the island of Utøya, where a group of Labour Party youth had gathered for their annual summer camp. The story centers around the relationship between two sisters, Hanna (Henrik Holm) and Andrea (Andrea Berntzen, later replaced by Amalie Hartmann), who are preparing to attend the summer camp on Utøya the day after the film starts. As the film progresses, the story follows the sisters and their group of friends, including Daniel (Tove Thing Johansen) and Viljar (Julian Scalas), as they enjoy the last day of their summer together on the island. However, the atmosphere of joy and camaraderie is short-lived, as the film's narrative takes a dark turn on July 22nd. The group is unaware of a sinister plot unfolding beyond the confines of their camp, where Anders Behring Breivik, a right-wing extremist, has been meticulously planning a coordinated mass murder attack on the Norwegian government. At around 6:00 am, Breivik detonates a car bomb in Oslo, targeting the Prime Minister's office, but the real horror unfolds at 5:17 pm, when he arrives at Utøya island, dressed in a police uniform, and begins systematically hunting down the unsuspecting teenagers. The film shifts gears as it delves into the harrowing experiences of the characters as they navigate the chaos and desperation that unfold. The group's leader, Viljar, attempts to rally the teens and organize a resistance against the perpetrator, but their efforts are consistently thwarted by the sheer force and organization of Breivik's attack. As the death toll rises, the teens are forced to scatter and find refuge in the surrounding woods, using the island's terrain to their advantage in a desperate bid for survival. Through the character of Hanna's friend, Malene (Sara Sveen), the film showcases the tragic side of the event, illustrating the psychological toll the ordeal has on the teenagers, many of whom are forced to confront their impending doom with a grim awareness of their own mortality. The cinematography is stark and visceral, effectively capturing the raw fear and panic that grip the teens as they scramble to escape their would-be assassin. As the story unfolds, the narrative begins to intersect with real-life events, bringing a sense of authenticity to the portrayal of the attack. Through flashbacks and news reports, the film humanizes the victims by sharing their stories and memories, adding a personal layer to the events that unfold. The film also shines a light on the resilience of the Norwegian people, who came together in the aftermath of the tragedy to support each other in their grief and provide aid to the survivors. Utøya: July 22 is a film that refuses to shy away from the horrors of the 2011 attack, instead choosing to confront them head-on. The film's portrayal of Breivik is notable for its absence – the perpetrator remains off-screen for most of the film, heard only through his own voiceovers, which serve as a chilling counterpoint to the on-screen events. The director's decision to downplay Breivik's presence in the film serves to shift the focus onto the victims, whose experiences are the true heart of the story. Ultimately, Utøya: July 22 is a powerful tribute to the lives that were lost, a poignant tribute to the resilience of those who survived, and a reminder of the horrors that can unfold when ideologies of hatred and intolerance are allowed to spread unchecked. Through its harrowing portrayal of one of history's most heinous crimes, the film offers a haunting reminder of the importance of unity, empathy, and understanding in the face of extremist ideologies.