Echo

A quiet and wistful opening sequence introduces Simon (Kim Bodnia), an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, and his six-year-old son Louie. Although their relationship is shown with great tenderness and warmth, it soon becomes apparent that all is far from normal in their lives.

Divorced police officer Simon has recently lost custody of his son, and his plans for their last special holiday together are questionable to say the least. Undoubtedly a devoted father, Simon is haunted by spectres from his past which disturbingly threaten not only his sanity but also his precious relationship with his son.

Bodnia delivers his most powerful performance in recent years, his restraint, sensitivity and suggestion of violence creating a compelling sense of Simon's compassion and darkness. This second feature from Anders Morgenthaler is very different in style to his bold debut Princess (LFF 2006), but shares many of its themes. Crafting a narrative which is at turns dramatic and intimate, Morgenthaler again skillfully creates in Echo a microcosmic world of an adult and a child teetering on the brink of disaster.

Sarah Lutton