"The Quake" is a Norwegian disaster film that was released in 2018. Directed by John Andreas Andersen and starring Kristoffer Joner and Ane Dahl Torp, the movie is a sequel to the 2015 film "The Wave." Set in Oslo, the film delves into the catastrophic consequences of a massive earthquake and the struggle for survival amidst the chaos.
Plot Summary:
Three years after the events of "The Wave," geologist Kristian Eikjord (Kristoffer Joner) is grappling with the trauma of the tsunami that devastated the town of Geiranger. He's distanced himself from his family, living in isolation and haunted by the past. However, when he discovers anomalies at a tunnel in Oslo, he suspects that a much larger catastrophe is imminent.
His fears are confirmed when he realizes that seismic activity indicates the potential for a massive earthquake, one that could devastate Oslo. As the tremors begin, the city's infrastructure starts to crumble, and Kristian must race against time to save his estranged wife, Idun (Ane Dahl Torp), and their two children from the impending disaster.
The movie showcases the raw power of nature and the fragility of urban structures, juxtaposed with the resilience and determination of the human spirit. As buildings collapse and streets split open, the Eikjord family's bond is tested, and they must rely on each other to navigate the chaos and find safety.
Cast and Characters:
- Kristoffer Joner as Kristian Eikjord: The protagonist, a geologist who predicted the tsunami in "The Wave" and now foresees the earthquake in Oslo. He's a broken man, haunted by past events, but his determination to save his family drives him.
- Ane Dahl Torp as Idun Eikjord: Kristian's estranged wife who works in Oslo's city center. She's a strong-willed woman who fights to protect her children amidst the disaster.
- Jonas Hoff Oftebro as Sondre Eikjord: Kristian and Idun's teenage son. He's initially resentful of his father's absence but steps up during the crisis.
- Edith Haagenrud-Sande as Julia Eikjord: The younger daughter of Kristian and Idun. Her innocence and vulnerability add emotional depth to the narrative.
Where to Stream
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Production Details:
"The Quake" was produced by Fantefilm and distributed by Nordisk Film. The movie was primarily shot in and around Oslo, capturing the city's iconic landmarks and urban landscape. Given the nature of the film, a significant portion of the budget was allocated to visual effects, ensuring the earthquake sequences were both realistic and harrowing.
Director John Andreas Andersen, known for his cinematography in "The Wave," took over the directorial reins for this sequel. The film's screenplay was penned by Harald Rosenløw-Eeg and John Kåre Raake, who also wrote "The Wave."
One of the most challenging aspects of the production was creating the earthquake sequences. The filmmakers used a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and digital effects to bring the disaster to life. The Posten Building, one of Oslo's tallest structures, plays a pivotal role in the film, and its destruction was meticulously planned and executed using state-of-the-art visual effects.
Reception and Awards:
Upon its release, "The Quake" received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its intense action sequences, realistic portrayal of an earthquake's aftermath, and strong performances, especially from Joner and Torp. The film was praised for its ability to balance heart-pounding disaster sequences with genuine human emotion.
At the box office, "The Quake" performed well in Norway and received a limited international release, where it garnered attention for its high production values, especially when compared to other disaster films.
The movie was nominated for multiple awards, particularly in Norway, and won several for its visual effects, sound design, and editing.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes:
- "The Quake" is inspired by real events. In 1904, Oslo experienced an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale. Scientists believe that another significant quake is due in the future.
- The film's creators consulted with real-life geologists and emergency response teams to ensure the movie's scenarios were as realistic as possible.
- Kristoffer Joner performed many of his own stunts, adding to the authenticity of the film's more perilous scenes.
- The destruction of the Posten Building was one of the most complex sequences in the film. It took months of planning and involved a combination of real-life set pieces, miniatures, and digital effects to achieve the final result.