We meet our protagonist Mary (played by Lily Wirum) first and are instantly reminded about the importance of not giving up on living your life. Director Ole A. Hagen (who also directed Out of Control) explores themes of recovery, perseverance, and self-preservation, which immediately come to the forefront of the film. Take It Easy On Me, true to the title, sends a message of vulnerability at the borderline of tenacity that carries throughout the film and serves as an important reminder to viewers.
Being filmed in Norway's freezing weather, viewers get to experience the story of a love gone cold but with lingering feelings similar to the sting of the wind on a snowy day. Mary's past with the emotionally critical but somewhat stable character Liam (played by Eirik Sætre Hove) haunts her to the point where it impacts her everyday life and we go on her journey of recovery with her.
There are some hidden metaphors in the film, which speak to great storytelling. For instance, there are multiple shots of Mary washing her hands meticulously akin to the infamous Lady Macbeth, as if her history with Liam is a spot that she's trying so hard to get rid of.
In terms of editing (done by Mebil Rosales) and directing, there's a lot of suspense in the film as the characters spare their words and whilst we know there is a conflict of some sort, we don't know exactly what the nitty-gritty of it is. This is a huge part of the enjoyability of the viewing experience - as we are left on our toes wondering which turn the plot will take. The age-old film adage, “Show, don’t tell,” and its power in creative storytelling comes to mind.
Despite seemingly finding new happiness and security with Michael (played by Lorre Michell), Mary still exhibits signs of anxious attachment as she dwells in the past of what once was. However, Michael is a saint throughout the whole thing. There’s no doubt that Lorre Michell delivered authenticity through this portrayal.
His patience and even just the loving honey-filled gaze that he gives her truly feel like the catalyst of her character arc. There’s something magical in the way she transitions to a brighter version of herself. Lily Wirum’s acting is pivotal to that. However, there is still something more to be desired…
That would be more minutes added to the film. This film will have you wanting more as you are satisfied with the outcome but want to dive further into the excellent narrative.
The editor, director, and cast did a stellar job in telling this relatable story, through a film that is destined to be loved by global audiences. Take It Easy On Me is a story with mass appeal and a relatability that each of us or at least someone we know can empathize with.
In fact, it has proven just that even ahead of its release. Take It Easy On Me has already received nominations and awards from all over the world in multiple categories. With two more recent nominations, in total, the film has won awards for Best Trailer, Best Poster, and nominations (yet to be decided) for Best International Short Film, Best Actress, and Best Edit. Read more about Ole A. Hagen's award-winning short films here.
The full film has not been released yet but will be available to watch in December 2024. We can guarantee that it will be worth adding to your watchlist. In the meantime, check out the trailer for Take It Easy On Me below.
Will you be watching Take It Easy On Me once it's released? Let us know in the comments!
