Watch Hjem - Living at the End of the World

Hjem – Living at the End of the World is an immersive documentary film released in 2013, directed by Even Benestad, about a small community of people living on the isolated island of Ulvøya in Norway. The documentary follows Eva and Knut Arnesen, the islands only inhabitants, as they go about their daily lives and try to keep their community thriving in the face of extreme isolation and challenging weather conditions.

The film is shot in a unique style that combines observational documentary with stylized sequences that depict the natural beauty of the island, making it feel like a living character in the story. The audience is placed right in the middle of Ulvøya's unparalleled beauty, making it easy to understand the Arnesen's love for their home. The idea of the island being a sanctuary for those who seek a slower pace of life does not go unnoticed in the movie, calling the attention to the need for the world to reflect on what truly is essential in their own lives.

Throughout the documentary, the audience witnesses the Arnesen's working hard to maintain their connection to the outside world as they try to balance the maintenance of the island's infrastructure with their own survival needs. The film sheds light on issues such as trying to balance the survival of one's individual needs, as well as taking care of the island's natural surroundings, bringing up the necessity of sustainability.

As the film progresses, the Arnesen's resilience is tested as they face several crises that threaten to destroy their way of life. From battling fires to dealing with daily food shortages, Hjem – Living at the End of the World shows the viewer that life on Ulvøya isn't always easy, but that the island community is incredibly determined to keep its unique way of living intact.

The movie puts a human-sized lens on the topic of environmentalism, sustainability, and the willingness needed to create change. The beauty of the environment is displayed in the script, and the lack of desire to harm the environment is something adressed constantly.

One of the most captivating aspects of Hjem – Living at the End of the World is the sense of intimacy that is created between the audience and the Arnesen's. Their story is one that is told in such an honest and unflinching manner that it becomes impossible not to feel connected to them as people. The filmmakers bring to life a community that is a unique representation of those who wish to follow the steps of eviromentalism and implement them into their daily routines.

Overall, Hjem – Living at the End of the World is an emotionally charged and visually stunning documentary that tells the story of a community of people who are trying to maintain their way of life in the face of great adversity. By focusing on the lives of the Arnesen's, it shows us that even the most remote corners of the world are inhabited by individuals who are fighting to make a better life for themselves and for the environment they inhabit. A must-see documentary for those who appreciate the beauty of the environment and the footsteps towards sustainability.

Hjem - Living at the End of the World is a 2014 adventure movie with a runtime of 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.