Fantasia '18 Film Review - Heavy Trip

Turo (Johannes Holopainen) is the leader of a hardcore metal band in a small Finnish town where reindeer roam the streets and countryside. His band plays out of the basement of lead guitarist Lotvonen (Samuli Jaski) family slaughterhouse and have never had a public gig or written a song in their 12 years of existence. Bassist Pavi (Max Ovaska) knows every song ever recorded directing customers away from Justin Bieber and to death metal in his day job. The fourth member drummer Jynkky (Antti Heikkinen) has a car and willing to attempt anything once.

Turo travels through town on his bicycle going from jamming to his work at a mental hospital where he bonds with new patient Oula (Chike Ohanwe) The local layabouts make fun of his hair and all leather look. He visits his crush Miia (Minka Kuustonen) who runs a flower store having to dodge local celebrity swing musician and her cop father. One day a music promoter from Norway comes to town looking for reindeer blood taking their demo tape for consideration for a big festival.

In the last section of the film turns into a road trip as the boys attempt to get to the festival. They battle local rivals from their town plus a joyful interlude with the Norwegian border patrol preparing to intercept them after a tip from a rival. The other significant interaction involves a Viking re-enactment crew that helps the heros out on a key leg of their journey.

Heavy Trip is a realistic look at small town Finish life helmed by co-directors Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren. The sleepiness and remoteness of their hometown play a large part in shaping the story. The focus switches over the second half where the action picks up as the boys head out on the road. It's humor a filled piece with the underlying message to doggedly follow you dreams that I can recommend.

*** Out of 4
.
Heavy Trip | Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren | Finland / Norway | 2018 | 92 Minutes.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Death Metal, Slaughterhouse, Reindeer, Speed Trap, Blast Beats, Road Trip, Border Crossing, Music Festival.