TIFF Review: BAD FAITH (OND TRO)

As the lights came up after my screening of OND TRO (aka BAD FAITH), director Kristian Petri took the mic for a Q&A. The first question out of the gate amused us all and seemed to be the obvious one - what the heck is going on in Sweden these days that its spawning so many dark and violent films?

OND TRO is an elegant thriller. It's the story of Mona (Sonja Richter), who leaves her office one evening and walks past an assault victim. He's laying in a side alley, bleeding badly, and gasping for dear life. But Mona doesn't scream, Mona doesn't go for help, Mona doesn't even flinch. No - Mona seems fascinated by a person in this condition. After examaining his wounds, and indeed seeing him breathe his last, she goes on about her evening.

This profound encounter leaves an indelible impression on Mona, and she soon finds herself drawn to the serial killer leaving a wake of bodies all over town. To say this woman is a little off is putting it mildly. Indeed, as one character sums it up "Someone like you must have quite a few nightmares".

This is a grim and dreary story to be certain, but it's told with a haunting stillness that draws us in. I was lucky enough to get a few words with director Kristian Petri after the film. He explained that the distant photography that leads us through much of the movie was meant to maximize its effect on the big screen, and was directly inspired by everything from Antonioni to THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.

Much of the film's success must also be given to Danish actress Sonja Richter. She plays Mona with a distinctive damaged quality, and does so in a way that makes you want to know her better. At first, we're left puzzled why so many people in this story want to talk to a woman who clearly wants to keep to herself. However, there's something enigmatic about her every pose and gesture, that it's likely people just keep talking in the hopes they can understand her even a little bit.

OND TRO (BAD FAITH) is tense exploration of self denial. It's a fascinating and well executed film that tells a truly twisted tale. Go see it if you get the chance.

OND TRO (BAD FAITH) plays TIFF once more - Saturday September 18th at 8:30pm.