Blind Spot (2018), a Norwegian drama directed by Tuva Novotny, unfolds in real time through a single-take format. This emotional powerhouse explores mental health, parenting, and tragedy through raw realism and a hauntingly intimate lens.
Blind Spot (2018) – Movie Review | 🎬 Norwegian Drama Masterpiece
Directed by: Tuva Novotny
Language: Norwegian
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Release Date: 24 August 2018
BMR Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)
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Introduction
Blind Spot (Blindsone), the 2018 Norwegian drama film, marks the feature directorial debut of actress Tuva Novotny. With this intense and emotionally resonant piece, Novotny dives headfirst into the harrowing subject of mental health and suicide in teenagers, capturing the unfolding of a family crisis in real time through a single continuous shot. The film was one of three shortlisted as Norway’s potential submission to the 91st Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, and for good reason.
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Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)
The story follows Maria (played by Pia Tjelta), a mother who is suddenly thrust into emotional chaos when her daughter, a seemingly normal and happy teen, attempts suicide. The first half of the film is from the daughter’s point of view—walking home from school, talking with friends, displaying no apparent signs of internal struggle—until the unthinkable happens. The rest of the film is an agonizing, real-time journey through the mother’s trauma, confusion, and desperation as she seeks answers and support.
The narrative plays out in real time, utilizing an unbroken single take to amplify the emotional intensity and give the audience an unflinching look at how quickly life can unravel.
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Performances
Pia Tjelta delivers a raw, visceral, and utterly unforgettable performance as Maria. Her portrayal of a grieving mother searching for understanding is filled with subtlety, pain, and immense humanity. Tjelta carries much of the film, and her emotional range is the beating heart of Blind Spot.
The supporting cast—Oddgeir Thune, Per Frisch, and Anders Baasmo Christiansen—delivers authentic performances, but it is Tjelta who leaves the most indelible mark.
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Direction & Cinematography
Tuva Novotny’s directorial debut is courageous and visionary. By employing a single-take technique, she removes the safety net of editing, forcing the actors to live the emotions in real time. This choice adds a layer of realism that makes the viewer feel like a silent observer in the room—uncomfortable, helpless, and completely immersed.
Jonas Alarik’s cinematography deserves special mention. The camera moves fluidly between characters and locations, often lingering uncomfortably on faces and spaces, creating an oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the psychological weight of the story. The real-time filming also means there are no dramatic music cues or sharp edits to guide emotion; it’s raw and unfiltered.
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Sound & Atmosphere
The film uses silence and ambient sound to enhance its realism. There is no background score to manipulate the viewer’s emotions—everything is built on natural sound, breathing, footsteps, and hushed whispers in hospital corridors. This sound design makes the audience a part of the narrative rather than a passive viewer.
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Themes
Blind Spot explores a range of difficult and important themes:
- Mental health in adolescence: It challenges assumptions about how depression looks and how easily signs can be missed.
- Parental guilt and helplessness: The film powerfully portrays the pain of not being able to “fix” your child.
- Societal pressure and stigma: The movie questions how schools, families, and healthcare systems handle mental health crises.
The title “Blind Spot” metaphorically alludes to the psychological and emotional zones that remain hidden or ignored—both within the characters and in society.
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Impact & Message
This is not a film that offers easy answers. It is designed to make you uncomfortable, to question your assumptions, and to spark conversations. The emotional toll is heavy, but it serves a vital social purpose. Tuva Novotny doesn’t preach; she presents life as it is—messy, sudden, and often incomprehensible.
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Verdict
Blind Spot is a bold, intimate, and heartbreaking film that stands out for its technique and emotional depth. Tuva Novotny’s direction is fearless, and Pia Tjelta’s performance is devastatingly real. The single-take format works as more than a gimmick—it becomes the film’s emotional backbone, forcing viewers to feel every second as if they’re living it too.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally intense drama that takes mental health seriously and innovates technically, Blind Spot is essential viewing.
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BMR (Best Movie Review) Rating – 8/10
A powerful portrayal of mental illness and grief, elevated by real-time storytelling and a commanding lead performance.