Three Miles North of Molkom - Review
Review by Jack Foley
YOUNG British filmmakers Robert Cannan and Corinna McFarlane’s debut movie Three Miles North of Molkom certainly boasts strong curiosity value even though it’s only mildly successful.
Filmed in 2007, the documentary follows a group of seven people as they take part in the Swedish festival Angsbacka, a haven for hippies and tree-huggers who attend for seven days each year to take part in workshops on tantric sex, walking on hot coals and self-help techniques.
The participants range from Ljus, a veteran Swede who considers himself the leader of the group, to Aussie traveller Nick, who scepticism slowly gives rise to respect for what his colleagues have to offer.
The ensuing journey is both amusing and thought-provoking, but overlong and ultimately quite trying for anyone not mentally in sync with some of Angbacka’s ideology.
Cannan and McFarlane don’t seek to judge the participants, but balance candid moments of observation from its most serious participants with funny commentary from Nick, whose presence elevates the entertainment value considerably.
Nick, it seems, is the sceptic, the cynic and the doubter inside all of us and his insights and expressions are priceless, particularly early on.
Once he begins to integrate himself into the group, however, the film loses momentum and the early balance is lost as viewers await the final group hugging sessions and promises of reunions, which contribue to an overly generous running time of close to two hours.
As for the ideas and people behind Angsbacka itself, the festival and its portrayal may well leave you divided over its merits, whilst prompting a little soul-searching as well.
If nothing else, Three Miles North of Molkom suggests that Cannan and McFarlane are a duo to watch.
Certificate: 15
Running time: 107mins
UK Release Date: September 18, 2009