Being Ola Review: A Sweet and Gentle Documentary on Disability and Friendship
Being Ola is a sweet, slight, and gentle film that offers an intimate look into the life of Ola Henningsen, a man in early middle age with a round, placid face who resides in a village community in eastern Norway designed for people with learning and developmental disabilities. The original Norwegian title translates to Ola: A Completely Ordinary Unusual Guy, a fitting description for this poignant documentary directed by Ragnhild Nøst Bergem.
An Intelligent and Articulate Subject
Bergem interviews Ola and follows him around the village, capturing his daily life and interactions. Ola describes himself as slow, yet he appears perfectly intelligent and articulate, challenging common stereotypes about individuals with disabilities. The film goes beyond this surface, delving into Ola's emotional world and his relationships.
The Heart of the Film: Ola's Bond with Lasse
The documentary's core focuses on Ola's relationship with Lasse, a Danish care worker who once lived in the community alongside the residents, assisting with activities. Lasse did nothing to discourage Ola from thinking of him as his best friend, leading to a deep connection. However, Ola was clearly very hurt, even heartbroken, when Lasse inevitably had to leave the community and return to Copenhagen after his employment term ended.
In the second part of the film, Ola embarks on a trip to see Lasse, a journey made possible only with Bergem accompanying him as his carer. During this visit, Ola confesses his feelings of abandonment to Lasse, highlighting the emotional complexity of their bond.
Unresolved Questions and Gentle Resolution
This confrontation appears to be resolved painlessly, with Ola maintaining his usual smiley demeanor throughout. However, viewers might wonder if there is a more difficult story to tell. Has Ola learned something about his feelings for Lasse and himself? Has he come to terms with the fact that he can never be Lasse's friend in the full sense of the word? The film leaves these questions somewhat ambiguous, as Lasse is not interviewed independently on the matter.
Investigating these deeper issues might have created a more complicated movie than the one Bergem clearly intended. Instead, Being Ola remains a gentle exploration of disability, friendship, and abandonment, offering a nuanced portrayal without delving into harsh realities.
Release Information
Being Ola is set to be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 3 April, providing audiences with an opportunity to experience this touching documentary firsthand.
