Euphoria, written and directed by Lisa Langseth

Euphoria, written and directed by Lisa Langseth

Some viewers may find this film euphoric, elating in spite of the rather tragic, overwhelming subject and atmosphere surrounding a luxury base camp where people go to enjoy their last moments on earth.

Four women are responsible for this thought provoking work- Alicia Vikander as Ines, Eva Green in the role of Emilie, Charlotte Rampling as Marina and the writer-director of the motion picture, Lisa Langseth.

This is very commendable and one of the strong arguments in favor of a work that deals with a theme that we all have to contemplate eventually- the exit from this world and the manner in which to do it.

In the first few scenes, it is striking to see a performer of exquisite beauty – Eva Green, of The Dreamers, Casino Royale and other remarkable films fame- in such a sorry state, for she looks rather dreadful- the public would see why, with hindsight, a little later.

Ines aka Alicia Vikander is waiting for Emilie, they would have lunch in a very sophisticated, expensive restaurant, where Emilie orders lobster, and champagne, she is invited to dance by a stranger.

While they dance, the woman says that she would like to go to bed with the stranger, but it is not possible and as she returns to her table, she throws up and says that she should not have had the champagne.

This is awkward, off-putting and bizarre, but considering the caliber, the personality, body of work of these outstanding performers, one feels we should carry on.

An expensive limousine- apparently a Mercedes- takes the two siblings to an unknown, mystery location and Ines takes photos along the way- in fact, she would keep taking them inside the outré sanatorium, to be asked at the end of her sojourn there what will she do with the material.

Somewhere in the middle of a beautiful forest, the car stops and they are welcomed by a party of four or five people, led by Charlotte Rampling aka Marina, who says that guests arrive by…helicopter in general.

We have been warned that we will see the Most Beautiful Place on Earth, but somehow the under signed has missed it, although the sights are nice enough…perhaps it is the significance of the place.

They have their luggage taken to the rooms and a man invites the new arrivals to come to his office where he asks for the passport, notes that the proof of payment is there, they have the medical documents and therefore…

Emilie would depart or maybe he said the body would be sent in six days or so…

This is more than shocking, it is outrageous and overwhelming, Ines has a fit, she gets angry and is asking about this farce and then moves on to leave the premises immediately…

At the reception she shouts, makes a scene- almost a scandal- and then demands her luggage and when someone from the personnel tries to sooth her and touches the angry woman, she explodes:

Do not touch me, keep away from me!

After this outlandish turn of events, Emilie explains that she has terminal cancer- everywhere- found this special exit location and this is why the mystery – we now understand the reason for the sorry look of such a gorgeous figure.

The dying patient wanted her sister with her, but if she wants to leave, there is no stopping her- the two women would have arguments and more than that, the sick sister throwing food from her plate on the clothes of the other.

There are other dying men and women in this fancy mortuary which is meant to offer those who have the means, the chance to go out in the manner they want and allows them to express and have the final wishes fulfilled- more or less.

A certain Mr. Daren is there, portrayed by Charles Dance, famous for his role in the most popular series of all time, Game of Thrones, but although he brings in a meditative, perhaps somewhat interesting personage, it is not enough to make the story exhilarating.

Overall, the motion picture is not very satisfying, at least seen from this corner of the world, where there are enough sad events as to make this gloomy film about dying so enticing as to make it remarkable.