Director Joachim Trier makes his English-language debut with the drama Louder Than Bombs, an intimate portrayal of one family’s relationship and the struggles they must overcome in the face of death. The film made its debut at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and is sure to make waves in the indie/art-house film scene.

The Painful Aftermath of a Mother’s Death

Isabelle Reed (Isabelle Huppert) a famed photographer who feels most comfortable in war and conflict-ridden areas, is the center of her husband Gene (Gabriel Byrne) and their two sons, Jonah (Jesse Eisenberg) and Conrad (Devin Druid), worlds. No one could have predicted that she would leave behind a familial conflict of her own doing after her untimely and suspicious death. Three years after the accident, Isabelle’s works are thrust into the spotlight when a museum in New York asks to use her photographs for a retrospective gallery installation. Her husband accepts, as he is slowly moving on with his life, and sees this as a great opportunity to honor her.

However, he discovers that an accompanying New York Times article speculating Isabelle’s actual cause of death is set to run simultaneously with the gallery opening. This threatens to expose the devastating truth that Gene is intent on hiding from Conrad. He has no choice but to enlist his oldest son Jonah to help him with another painful confrontation.

Confronts the Human Desire for Connection

Louder Than Bombs is an unwavering look at the human desire for connection and the need to be understood. It’s obvious in Conrad’s behavior as he alienates himself from his father’s attempt to reconnect. It’s also seen in Jonah’s promiscuity, even when he has a wife and newborn baby at home. Gene’s attempt to bond with his two sons is affected by his flaws. This humanistic condition for connection is at the forefront of the film. It engages the audience in contemplating how and why we act the way we do, focusing on the relationships within our own family.

What sets Louder Than Bombs apart are the surreal moments Trier infuses within the story. He disregards the traditional method of linear storytelling by shifting between the past and the present. These added moments put visuals to feelings that have a hard time being expressed otherwise. They are not the character’s dreams, rather, they are daydreams- or what one wonders about without limitations. These moments are hauntingly beautiful and stand out as works of art.

Jesse Eisenberg Leads this Excellent Cast

On the acting front, the assembled cast could not have been better. Jesse Eisenberg is fantastic in the role of Jonah. His trademark quick-witted clamor serves as the voice of reason in the film. Gabriel Byrne plays Gene with sensitivity as a conflicted father who is not without his flaws. Devin Druid embodies the angsty, brooding teenager while still holding onto the innocence of being a misunderstood child. These, plus the stellar performances from Isabella Huppert, David Strathairn, and Amy Ryan, truly give the film its footing.

Takeaway

The title- Louder Than Bombs– suggests an epic, grandiose drama. Instead, Trier creates a meditative and restrained film that is not loud or brash. Rather, it celebrates uniqueness and coming together to fulfill the family dynamic. There is no doubt that Joachim Trier took a risk with Louder Than Bombs. I believe his creative vision has the potential to pay off tenfold.