Céline Roustan
It’s a regular day for student by day, camgirl by night Lotte… until, during one of her dominatrix sessions, one of her regular subs has a life-threatening medical episode. With Komplikasjoner (Complications), S/W alum director Ivar Aase (Burden of Proof) crafts a sensitive and multilayered drama with hints of thriller and humour, delivering a poignant and emotionally compelling narrative.
“I was interested in the intimacy that can exist in a relationship that is digital and explicitly transactional,” Aase explained, as we discuss the motivation behind creating his short film. Underneath the disguise of the unconventional premise, it’s indeed human connection that sits at the core of the film. Written by Erik Ivar Sæther, the narrative defies expectations by depicting, on the surface, a transactional relationship that is much more nuanced than it initially appears. It ultimately reveals a genuine bond in a surprising situation, as well as a certain loneliness. The premise becomes all the more fascinating as it prompts us to reflect on the line between performance and care, and how, when applied to BDSM, these might seem contradictory, when in reality genuine care can be an integral part of the relationship.
Camwork is usually represented on screen in a fairly sensational way, almost as a gimmick designed to trigger an automatic reaction from the audience. By infusing it with humour and, ultimately, an emotionally potent story, Aase and Sæther use it to genuinely and effectively enhance the narrative on its different levels. Within the film’s short runtime and in the midst of the action, we can feel how grounded and authentic Lotte’s character is. From the exposition, few viewers would foresee the direction the film takes, which ultimately demonstrates how well Aase and Sæther handle the narrative beats of their story.
“The first version of the script had scenes where we were supposed to be inside Lotte’s laptop, like an interface thriller” – Aase discussing the development of the storyline.
Visually, DP Kim-André Aspen traps us with Lotte in her apartment, immersing us in how helpless she feels behind her screen while also conveying her loneliness and isolation. Yet Aase, who also edited the film, manages to build anxiety from everything happening off-screen. From the camera movements to the rhythm of the editing cuts, we understand the urgency of the situation, which ultimately makes the relief at the end all the more touching.
Both actors, Anna Ladegaard and Sven Henriksen, manage to create great chemistry without ever sharing the screen! From the opening scene to the last, their relationship is captivating and entertaining to watch. Ladegaard is impressive in how she navigates the crisis her character experiences, moving from the practical logistics of the situation to its deeper emotional implications. Her character’s journey is beautifully performed, bringing the film’s emotional depth to the screen.
Ahead of its online debut as a Vimeo Staff Pick Premiere, Complications had an impressive festival run, with notable stops at Short Shorts, Clermont-Ferrand, Slamdance, and Winterthur. It also picked up awards at Salute Your Shorts, the Palm Springs ShortFest, and on home turf at the Norwegian Short Film Festival. Aase is already working on three new shorts, two of which will see him reunite with Sæther.