Festivals - Sundance Film Festival 2021 : Knocking will have its world premiere

By Mulder, 30 december 2020

What. Is. That. Noise. When Molly hears knocking coming from the ceiling in her new apartment, she naturally searches for the source. The upstairs neighbors don’t know what she’s talking about and dismiss her with cool indifference. Is this all in her mind? After all, she’s still processing a traumatic event that left her mentally unwell, and the unprecedented heat wave isn’t helping her think clearly. As the knocking intensifies and gives way to a woman’s cries, Molly becomes consumed with finding out the truth. Could it be Morse code? Is someone trapped? And more importantly, why doesn’t anyone care?

Knocking is a sharp indictment of the gaslight culture and social stigma that work against those experiencing mental illness. Director Frida Kempff’s stunning visuals induce a dissonant sensation of physical disembodiment and feverish claustrophobia that mimics Molly’s deteriorating mental state. Cecilia Milocco exudes Molly’s vulnerability and strength in equal measures, spiraling in one moment before standing her ground the next. Knocking leaves you, just like Molly, questioning yourself until the very end.

Synopsis :
A woman leaves a psychiatric ward after a nervous breakdown, only to start hearing mysterious knocking sounds in her apartment.

Knocking (Knackningar) (Sweden)
Directed by Frida Kempff
Produced by Erik Andersson
Written by Emma Broström
Starring Cecilia Milocco, Krister Kern, Albin Grenholm, Ville Virtanen, Alexander Salzberger
Music by Martin Dirkov
Cinematography : Hannes Krantz
Edited by Erika Gonzales
Production Designer : Elle Furudahl
Sound Design/Mix : Thomas Jæger
Costume Design : Elsa Fischer
Makeup : Hanna Zetterström
Distributed by Läsk
Release date : January 30, 2021 (Sundance)
Running time : 78 minutes

Premiere : jan. 30 - 6:00am // Second screening : jan. 31 - 4:00pm (local time)

(Source : press release)