Cast
View AllBodil Jørgensen
as Gudrun Fiil
Marie Bach Hansen
as Tulle Fiil
Laura Winther Møller
as Gerda Fiil
Selma Sophia Høst
as Bitten Fiil
Alfrida Uhrenfeldt
as Gulle
Ellen Hillingsø
as Monica Emily Wichfeld
Louise Bonde
as Pie Baastrup Thomsen
Nadia Kvist
as Grethe Jensen
Emil Holmsteen
as Sophus Boas
Holger Østergaard Kristensen
as Pastor Christensen
Jakob Svarre Juhl
as Jens Stenz
Garance Chansigaud
as French prisoner Julie
Crew
Director
- Anne-Grethe Bjarup Riis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, This Life 2: Those Left Behind examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anne-Grethe Bjarup Riis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of This Life 2: Those Left Behind took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 185 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While This Life 2: Those Left Behind shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In the Navel of the Sea, which focuses more on action than character development, This Life 2: Those Left Behind subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Walk in the Clouds and Charly explore similar territory, This Life 2: Those Left Behind stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 10, 2022
- Runtime: 2h 10m
Where to Watch

