What would happen if the life you’ve always known was suddenly upended and you were thrust into a strange, new world? That’s what happens in “A New Kind of Wilderness,” director Silje Evensmo Jacobsen’s documentary about an off-the-grid family that is struggling to adapt into modern society after a tragedy. Although neither the story nor subjects are particularly interesting, Jacobsen gives a deeply intimate examination of the very human nature to resist change, and the practical matters that can arise after losing a loved one.
Deep in a forest in Norway, the Payne family lives an isolated lifestyle on their farm. The six of them coexist in harmony with nature, embracing the joys of being wild and free, away from the stressors and most hectic parts of everyday society. But when the breadwinner dies, the Paynes are faced with losing their idyllic farm and lifestyle. This thrusts the family into the harsh new reality of having to adapt to the “real” world.
It’s easy to see the appeal of raising your kids at one with nature, a simple way of liberating and governing your own family. From growing and harvesting food to living almost totally off the grid, the Paynes created a habitat that afforded a massive independence and a yearning to live free. The hardest part is watching the toll their new circumstances take on the kids, especially as the fact that the only lifestyle they’ve ever known has become unsustainable. On top of dealing with the grief of losing their farm and a parent, it’s especially sad to see the toll it takes on the children.
Jacobsen spends a lot of time showing the positive things about living off the land, including instilling a beautiful love and respect for nature and animals and appreciating all of the Earth’s bountiful riches. It pains me to think about how these kids are going to adjust to the era of mass consumption and waste, and if they ever even can, at this point, be more than fish out of water.
The documentary features home videos and interviews, but Jacobsen mostly lets the camera do the observing. Because of this, “A New Wilderness” doesn’t feel as insightful as it probably could’ve been. While the storytelling is slow and takes time, you do feel like a part of the family by the end.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 