Running Time: 76 Minutes
Starring: Freddy Singh, Julie Abrahamsen, Louise Waage Anda, Viggo Solomon
Between 2021's To Freddy, and 2023's Good Boy, Norwegian writer/director Viljar Bøe has been making a name for himself. With his independent features, the creative has crafted intriguing set-ups which deliver stellar character work, and all under 80-minutes long. Above The Knee changes none of that, with Bøe delivering his most grisly work yet in terrific fashion.
The film drops viewers right into the headspace of Amir (Freddy Singh), as he dreams about wrapping a belt above his left knee before using a saw to sever his limb. While he may live a seemingly lovely life with his girlfriend, Kim (Julie Abrahamsen), Amir cannot shake the feeling that his left leg does not belong to him. Plagued by visions of the appendage rotting away, he becomes determined to cut off the alien limb.
While this may seem like a bizarre tale on the surface, Bøe ensures its effectiveness by rooting it in a relatable fear. Amir only feels comfortable about himself within a locked room, where he can live out his desires and create art that reflects who he truly sees himself as. To keep his true self under lock and key eats away at Amir, but he remains afraid of opening himself up to the important people in his life as he does not want to be rejected for who he is.
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Such inner fears have left him keeping friends at a distance, but these issues weigh on his mind as he keeps them bottled up. This change has been noticed by Kim, and despite her insistence at wanting to help resolve whatever is wrong, the possibility of not being understood leaves Amir reluctant to open up. Central to all of this is Freddy Singh's excellent performance, driving the film as he effectively captures Amir's inner anguish.
Offering support is Rikke (Louise Waage Anda), a woman who believes that she was born to be blind. Their shared feelings leaves Amir believing that he can open up to her, but he soon realises that his support system is not what it seems. They may have an understanding about each other's circumstances, yet that does not stop a manipulative side from appearing which threatens his situation.
As this compelling character drama unfolds, Bøe generates intrigue by having the days tick down to an unspecified "accident." It all builds towards this event, but how will it occur? The question lingers as the runtime passes by, although this lead-up can feel repetitive, as there are only so many times the same kind of image can be used to try generating tension. Despite this, Above The Knee is an effective tale about how the path to happiness is to live as your true self.
Above The Knee made its UK Premiere at FrightFest 2025. Available on Digital Download from September 8th.
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