The Klingenfeldt clan has gathered, following the funeral of one of the daughters, for the father's 60th birthday party. In the course of making a toast to Helge, his father, son Christian blithely announces that the old man used to rape him and his twin sister, Linda (the one who just committed suicide), when they were children. That kicks off the action that reveals this to be the mother of all dysfunctional families. (As the revelations and recriminations fly around the table, the other guests maintain a very British air of smiling uncomfortably and pretending it isn't happening.)
The movie is understated and perfectly paced, revealing itself at its own speed, swinging from achingly sad to harrowing to slyly funny. It's more shocking and suspenseful than any slasher flick. It gripped me completely -- my whole body was clenched and literally on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. By the end, I was drained and sat slumped in my seat as the credits rolled.
You'll probably have to go out of your way to find The Celebration -- it's opened in theaters months ago and isn't on video yet -- but it's definitely worth it. And one last recommendation -- see it with someone, preferably someone you care about, because when it's over, you'll need a hug.
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