‘Everyone needs to be heard’
Knocking is a 2020 Swedish film about a young woman who leaves a psychiatric ward after recovering from a nervous breakdown. Soon, she begins to hear mysterious knocking sounds in her apartment.
Directed by Frida Kempff from a screenplay written by Emma Broström, the Läsk production stars Cecilia Milocco, Ville Virtanen, Meliz Karlge, Albin Grenholm and Kristofer Kamiyasu.
Plot:
A young woman who has just experienced a traumatic incident is unnerved by a haunting knocking sound from upstairs in her new apartment building. As the noises become more desperate and increasingly sound like cries for help, she confronts her neighbours, but it seems no one else can hear them.
In an unsettling quest for truth, Molly soon realises that no one believes her, and begins to question if she even believes herself – a realisation that is perhaps even more chilling…
Reviews:
“At the center is Cecilia Milocco, giving a performance that hits a wide spectrum of emotions. The actress effectively keeps us guessing as to Molly’s emotional stability. At the same time, we actively root for her not only to heal from trauma but also to find someone who will listen to her. Milocco gives a superb turn in a picture that builds to a powerhouse ending…” The Aisle Seat
“Though many minor characters come and go, this is essentially a one-woman showcase for Milocco. Her portrayal of Molly devastates; this character is so utterly broken by tragedy and unable to make themselves whole again due to surrounding circumstances. It’s made all the more potent by Molly’s gentle vulnerability and eventual aggression.” Bloody Disgusting
“As a sensory experience, Knocking is stunning. The heightened sounds mixed with a stuffy, collapsing ambiance create an unforgettable experience. Pity that the narrative in the midst of all of this fails to match that power. Knocking gets the job done – but barely. In the end, it’s as fleeting as Molly’s fractured, fading memories.” /Film
“A brief (78 minutes) well-shot, well-acted low budget thriller that gradually winds up the tension until the final frame, Knocking keeps you guessing as to whether what’s happening to Molly is real or all (or part) in her head. The director does a fine job of drawing you into the claustrophobia of Molly’s world, physically, socially and psychologically.” House of Mortal Cinema
“Not only was it compelling to watch, it was also heartbreaking because Molly was such an easy character to root for. This wasn’t because she was a particularly deep character (nor was the film for that matter). Rather, it was because of Milocco’s vulnerable powerhouse of a performance as she put all of herself on screen.” Keith Loves Movies
“Running a tight 78 minutes, Kempff keeps things moving and the first-person camera angles get mileage out of Milocco’s tragic performance, but Knocking overstays its welcome, barely amounting to much outside the last five minutes where the film attempts to circumvent what came before. By the time that happens, you’ll already be checked out and ready to go home.” The Only Critic
“Keeping Knocking short, it runs seventy-eight minutes, was also a good idea. The longer a plot like this goes on the harder it is to maintain the air of doubt and uncertainty. Rather than risk that or have to rely on increasingly less probable events, Kempff and Broström lay it all out and then get out.” Voices from the Balcony
Release:
Knocking premiered virtually at the Sundance Festival as part of the Midnight selection on January 29, 2021.
In the US, Yellow Veil Pictures released Knocking theatrically on October 8 and on Digital and On-Demand on October 19, 2021. A Blu-ray was released on December 28th 2021.
Cast and characters:
Cecilia Milocco … Molly
Ville Virtanen … Kaj
Meliz Karlge … Police
Albin Grenholm … Per
Kristofer Kamiyasu … Kristoffer
Emil Almén … Police
Bengt Braskered … Florist
Alexander Salzberger … Atif
Bill Hugg … Mover
Naida Ragimova … Yasmine
Charlotta Åkerblom … Judith
Tobias Almborg … Mover
Christina Indrenius-Zalewski … Anna
Karin Holmberg … Emergency operator (voice)
Anders Johannisson … Doctor
Technical details:
78 minutes
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Original title:
Knackningar
Teaser trailer:
Trailer:
