Two women take a friend to a surprise birthday party; Turid is one of Grete's oldest friends, while Signe is more recent but still good friends. When Turid feels that she is no longer in pole position n terms of this friendship, she begins to act out and make the party more about her than Grete.

Women&Wine is a Norwegian short film, and one which has the stillness and control of that country's reputation. It doesn't really have big fireworks or spectacle but instead is based on small feelings which come out in small ways. The cast is led by Andreassen's Turid, who is a great character in study. In small ways we see her pride in her friendship, and the slight competitive air she has regarding Grete as "her turf". This translates into an entitled hurt which comes out in snide territory marking, and playing up small things. She makes it about her that is recognizable to anyone who has seen this in others in real life. It is a great performance in this way because it judges it just right, making it obvious but not overplayed to the point where it loses that.

The character is the heart of the film, and the narrative around her plays it the same way, creating a whole scene that is grounded and well observed. It is not a great florish of a film and I can imagine that the age/gender of the cast plus the running time and tone will put some off - but it is worth watching.

6ferguson-6

what about me?

Greetings again from the darkness. Petty jealousies are so ridiculous, and yet so common and universal. Director Liv Karin Dahlstram co- wrote the film with Thorkild Schrumpf and they take on the awkward nature of childhood friends versus current friends.

Human nature is on trial, and we see quickly that the verdict will be guilty. Turid (a terrific Marit Andreassen) and Signe (Jeanne Bee) have been planning, and are now executing, the surprise 50th birthday party for their friend Grete (Turid Gunnes). It doesn't take long before feelings are hurt, and Turid begins making the day about herself. Despite her lifelong friendship with Grete, she fabricates a competition with Signe, who gets to spend more time with Grete these days.

The three actresses are all spot on, but of course it's Ms. Andreassen whose character steals the show from the birthday girl. While her emotions and actions are difficult to watch, we've all seen folks act this way and perhaps even done so ourselves. "I don't eat horse" may stand for a lifetime of memories; however, looking this closely at our species doesn't always result in our liking what we see.