The Quake (2018) – A Norwegian Disaster Film That Hits Hard
The Quake (Skjelvet), released in 2018, is a tense and emotionally charged Norwegian disaster film directed by John Andreas Andersen. It serves as a sequel to the 2015 surprise hit The Wave (Bølgen) and once again follows geologist Kristian Eikjord, played by Kristoffer Joner, as he grapples with impending catastrophe. Where The Wave depicted a deadly tsunami striking a picturesque fjord town, The Quake escalates the stakes—this time shaking the capital city of Oslo to its foundations.
Set three years after the events of The Wave, the film finds Kristian in emotional and psychological disarray. Once a celebrated hero, he is now a broken man, estranged from his family and haunted by guilt over the lives he couldn’t save. His obsession with geological anomalies has only deepened, and when he begins to uncover disturbing seismic data suggesting that a massive earthquake could strike Oslo, no one believes him—including former colleagues and his ex-wife Idun (Ane Dahl Torp).
The heart of The Quake lies in its balance between personal drama and large-scale destruction. Unlike Hollywood disaster films that often prioritize spectacle over story, The Quake roots its narrative in emotional realism. Kristian is not a traditional action hero—he’s anxious, paranoid, and deeply human. His warnings are ignored until it's too late, and the film builds tension through his desperate attempts to reconnect with his family and save them as disaster strikes.
When the quake finally hits, it is a masterclass in practical effects, cinematography, and sound design. The destruction of Oslo is depicted with frightening realism, from collapsing buildings to trembling streets and harrowing rescue efforts. What makes these scenes truly effective is that they are grounded in characters we care about. We witness the disaster not from a bird’s eye view but from confined, crumbling interiors, with the camera often shaking and tight on the characters’ faces, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and panic.
Kristoffer Joner delivers a powerful performance as Kristian, portraying a man crushed by trauma but driven by love and responsibility. Ane Dahl Torp returns as Idun, bringing warmth and strength to her role, while Jonas Hoff Oftebro as their son Sondre provides a strong emotional anchor for the story. The family dynamics are authentic and heartbreaking, especially as they fight to survive together amidst the chaos.
What sets The Quake apart is its realistic tone and scientific grounding. While fictional, the premise is inspired by real geological threats facing Norway. The film is also a reminder of how quickly normal life can be upended, and how fragile human infrastructure is in the face of natural forces.
In conclusion, The Quake is a rare example of a disaster film that succeeds both as a suspense thriller and as an intimate family drama. With gripping performances, stunning visuals, and a strong emotional core, it delivers high-stakes tension without sacrificing believability. For fans of intelligent disaster cinema with heart, The Quake is a must-watch.
