A New Kind of Wilderness

A New Kind of Wilderness is a Norwegian drama film, written and directed by Erik Smith Meyer, that premiered in 2020. The movie is a poignant portrayal of a family's struggle to balance their desire for a wild and free lifestyle with the harsh realities of modern society. The story revolves around Jørgen (played by Sondre Krogstad), a rugged outdoorsman who has dedicated his life to living off the grid in a remote forest near Oslo, Norway. Together with his wife, Anne (played by Kari Heiberg Fiane), and their young son, they have created a small homestead, reliant on hunting, gathering, and foraging to sustain themselves. This self-sufficient lifestyle is a deliberate rejection of the comforts and conveniences of modern society, which Jørgen and Anne see as suffocating and destructive. For Jørgen, the wilderness represents a space of freedom and authenticity, where he can escape the constraints of civilization and reconnect with his natural self. He spends his days hunting, fishing, and exploring the forest, while Anne tends to their garden and looks after their child. Their son, who remains unnamed throughout the film, is a symbol of the family's connection to the land and their way of life. However, the tranquility of their existence is disrupted by a tragic event: a devastating forest fire sweeps through the area, threatening to destroy their home and their very way of life. The family is forced to flee, and they are met with the harsh reality of modern society, which has encroached upon the wilderness. As they navigate the complexities of emergency services, bureaucracy, and social services, Jørgen and Anne are forced to confront the fragility of their lifestyle and the risks they have taken by living off the grid. They are also faced with the stark contrast between their primitive way of living and the comfort and security of the modern world. The film becomes a meditation on the tension between nature and civilization, as Jørgen and Anne struggle to reconcile their desire for a wild and free lifestyle with the necessities of modern life. A New Kind of Wilderness is not a simplistic tale of heroism or a celebration of rugged individualism, but rather a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human relationships with the natural world. Throughout the film, Meyer employs a subtle and understated approach, avoiding melodrama and sentimentality in favor of a more realistic and observational portrayal of the family's experiences. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Norwegian forest in all its seasons. As Jørgen and Anne navigate the challenges of reintegrating into society, they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and limitations. The film becomes a powerful exploration of the human need for security, comfort, and connection, and the ways in which our relationships with the natural world shape our sense of identity and purpose. In the end, A New Kind of Wilderness is a poignant and thought-provoking film that challenges audiences to rethink their relationship with the natural world and the societal norms that govern our lives. It is a testament to the power of film to explore complex themes and emotions, and to convey the beauty and fragility of the human experience.