The psychological suspense drama “Lex Julia” has unveiled its international distribution.
The film features Sweden Christian Hillborg (“The Last Kingdom”, “Fleabag”, “Young Royals”) and Jessica Grabowsky of Finland (“Tom of Finland”, “Where ofre Wèchons”, “Icebreaker”). The Estonian actor Rea Elest, known for “The Manslayer / The Virgin / The Shadow” and “November” to Rainer Sarnet, assumes the titular role of Julia.
Laura Hyppönen’s film sees a perfect vacation island becoming out of control when Julia, a music producer at the start of the thirties, goes to the isolated villa of her new friend Anna. When Anna presents her husband JP, Julia instantly recognizes her from her past.
“It is the story of a rape survivor who meets her years of rapist after their previous meeting. He explores the different dilemmas and perceptions of the victim and the alleged aggressor, also including the point of view of the third party – the wife of the alleged rapist, “said Hyppönen.
Inspired by the personal experience “which took years to distill in a fictional film focused on the characters”, the Finnish director wanted to “deeply dig into the subject of the rape of knowledge without moralizing or sensationalizing”.
Hyppönen’s second feature film – following “Live East Die Young”, which takes place on the London East End festival – was partly turned on a private island back in the Nordic archipelago.
“The film is written as a slow combustion suspense drama focused on the characters. The frame adds a tension to the story,” she noted, commenting on the “raw and primitive quality” of the images obtained in this way.
“A large part of my filmography was created in a very DIY setting. This feeling of restriction is quite apparent in ‘Lex Julia’, where I chose a single location and only three actors. I love the claustrophobia that this kind of limitation creates.”
Hyppönen opened on his tracks.
“For Julia, I wanted to find an actor who could transmit strength and vulnerability while bringing dark humor and unpredictability to the role. For Anna, I looked for someone who could play with lightness and sophistication, but who also shows a darker underlying current.” For JP, it was “warmth and charm that can turn in coldness and cruelty”.
She “also was looking for a whole”: “A trio that would play together, supporting and defying and being willing to explore the darkest aspects of the material. I feel very lucky, that’s exactly what I found in Rea, Jessica and Christian. ”
Produced by Merja Ritola and Esssi Haukkamaa-Judge for Finland’s Greenlit Productions-Also at Work on “Northern Lights,” Recently Spotlighted at The Finnish Film Affair-“Lex Julia” is co-produced by Magdalena Zimecka and Marta Krzeptowska for studio (Poland), Marianne Ostrat for Alexandra Film (Estonia) and Daniel Lägersten for Götafilm in collaboration with Gila Bergqvist Ulfung for Breidablick (Sweden).
From the start, Hyppönen saw it as a “Nordic film for an international audience”.
“I started writing when I always lived in London, but I always imagined that this takes place in the Austere and Primal Nordic landscape, with its specific light and a social framework that prides itself on gender equality. I wanted to wonder how this Nordic equality brand prides itself, ”she said.
“I love films that use gender elements to start an audience, but do it intelligently to explore something real – and light up the blind spots we all have.”
“The film is a very powerful medium and I try to use it to move people. In the case of “Lex Julia”, my goal is to seduce and disturb the public in their comfort zone. “
Although faced with cultural cuts in Finland, Hyppönen does not yet lose his faith.
“Smaller and more experimental films have always been risky efforts and these tend to be the first to be cut when things become difficult.
“I believe humans have a deep and innate need to share their stories and experiences, whatever happens. If public funding does not support more experimental voices, these voices can be buried underground for a while, to emerge stronger and more conflict, “she said.
“Our prospects can be dark, but I like to think that restrictions and collective rage can create momentum for change. And change is what we need. ”
