The new film No Comment, directed by Petter Næss, takes a sharp satirical look at political scandals and the lengths to which politicians will go to maintain their power. The film, which premiered internationally at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, draws inspiration from real-life events, particularly the controversies surrounding former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and her husband’s stock trading practices.
Set against the backdrop of an election, the film follows the character Alma Solvik, played by Laila Goody. As the election approaches, Solvik is embroiled in a scandal involving her husband, Sondre, who engages in questionable stock transactions possibly based on insider information. In response, Alma assembles a crisis communication team led by Karianne, portrayed by Pia Tjelta, aimed at managing public perception and steering the narrative.
The plot thickens as Alma’s team orchestrates a campaign that shifts blame onto Sondre, reflecting a common political maneuver: “Sondre is the culprit,” they declare, demonstrating the desperate tactics politicians use to secure their positions.
Næss emphasizes the film’s relevance, stating, “This is a universal story about the will to power and how far you’re willing to go to maintain the power and the position you have.” Despite Alma’s victory in the film, real-life parallels suggest that such stubbornness can lead to downfall.
The film’s completion coincided with Norway’s parliamentary elections in September 2023, pushing the creative team to work swiftly. Screenwriter Ståle Stein Berg noted, “The premise was that the film would be finished before the elections, so we were in a bit of a rush.”
Tjelta revealed her character’s development was partially inspired by Kellyanne Conway, a prominent figure in American politics. “I read about her and how different Norwegian PR houses function, but much was already in the script,” she explained. Both actresses found themselves immersed in themes of power and manipulation prevalent in political environments.
Goody appreciated the complexity of her character. “She’s a very composed woman. She gives very little away,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of portraying someone embroiled in scandal. Her portrayal aims to capture the internal struggles of a leader under pressure while maintaining a façade of control.
The film’s comedic elements were initially unexpected, as Næss considered shifting to a more serious tone during editing. Ultimately, the humor resonates strongly, showcasing the absurdity of adult behavior in political contexts. “It’s interesting to see people who should know better come up with a lie, and everybody tells you that you’re lying, but you stick to the lie,” he remarked.
A memorable scene features the two leads performing a rap as a humorous attempt to cope with their situation, a task that required significant preparation. “We had one of the best female rappers as a coach,” Goody shared, underscoring the effort behind the film’s comedic moments.
While some in Norway anticipated a harsher critique of Solberg’s character, Goody noted, “This movie is actually made with a lot of warmth and some compassion for people in power.” The film’s intent is not to vilify but rather to explore the human side of political figures.
Næss clarified that certain personal aspects of Solberg’s life were intentionally avoided, saying, “We don’t mention [their children]. We wanted to respect the family.”
The creative team believes No Comment carries valuable lessons for contemporary politics. Goody emphasized the need for honesty from politicians, stating, “I think politicians would benefit if they started to be more honest and open, because people are so sick of the spin.”
As the world grapples with political unrest and disillusionment, Berg highlighted the role of humor in fostering resilience. “The importance of laughter can’t be emphasized enough, especially in these times,” he remarked, reinforcing the film’s mission to provide relief through satire.
Overall, No Comment offers a poignant reflection on the interplay between power, scandal, and the often absurd nature of political life, inviting audiences to reconsider the narratives that shape their perceptions of leaders.
