What Is Force Majeure About?
The premise of Force Majeure in 258 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the crisp, sun‑bleached expanse of a luxury resort perched in the French Alps, a Swedish family seeks the simple pleasure of a winter getaway. The towering peaks and endless white slopes create a world that feels both isolated and radiant, a place where everyday concerns seem to melt away under the weight of the mountains. Yet the pristine landscape also serves as a silent witness to the subtle frictions that pulse beneath the surface of the seemingly harmonious group.
At the heart of the story are Tomas, a confident businessman whose calm demeanor masks a deeper need for control, and his wife Ebba, a Norwegian who balances warmth with an undercurrent of restless ambition. Their children—Vera, an inquisitive little girl, and Harry, a precocious preschooler—bring both buoyancy and tension, their innocent curiosity often highlighting the adult unease. The family’s interactions are framed by a tone that blends quiet humor with an almost clinical observation of human behavior, inviting the audience to linger on the unspoken dynamics that shape each exchange.
A sudden, controlled avalanche erupts while the family enjoys a casual al fresco lunch, momentarily turning the idyllic scene into a tableau of fear and instinct. The incident acts as a catalyst, gently exposing the hidden cracks in the couple’s marriage and prompting questions about roles, responsibilities, and personal courage. As the snow settles, the film lingers on the lingering glances, the half‑spoken apologies, and the subtle shift in how the family perceives one another, setting a contemplative stage for the delicate unraveling of their shared narrative.
What Happens in Force Majeure?
The complete story of Force Majeure, from the first scene to the last, in 538 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A Swedish businessman named Tomas is on a family vacation at a luxurious resort in the French Alps with his Norwegian wife, Ebba, their young daughter Vera, and their preschool-aged son Harry. On their second day there, while enjoying a meal outdoors, they witness a controlled avalanche. The snow cloud rises ominously towards the deck, creating a panic. In a moment of fear, Tomas, who is recording the scene on his phone, abandons his family and flees as the deck empties. Meanwhile, Ebba is left behind, enveloped in a dense fog with their children. Fortunately, as the fog lifts, it turns out no one was harmed.
Later that evening, they dine with one of Ebba’s friends, who has brought along an American man. While recounting the avalanche incident in English, Ebba reveals her frustrations about Tomas’s cowardice. Tomas, embarrassed, insists he did not flee from the table and adds in Swedish that “one cannot run in ski boots.” The dinner descends into an argument, leaving their guests awkward and uncomfortable. Ebba feels betrayed by Tomas’s refusal to acknowledge his actions, which deepens the rift between them.
Determined to take a break, Ebba chooses to go skiing alone. In the company of her friend, she confronts her about her own reckless behavior regarding relationships, questioning if she truly values her family. Her friend, advocating for an open relationship, sends Ebba into more introspection about her own marriage.
The following day, one of Tomas’s old friends, Mats, arrives at the resort with his girlfriend, Fanny. They share an uncomfortable dinner, where Ebba again recounts the avalanche incident, causing tension amongst the group. During conversations, Mats brings up the idea that people are different during crises, referencing real-life disasters. The evening takes a turn when Ebba decides to show everyone the video of the avalanche. Tomas reluctantly concedes that he does appear to be running away, leading to speculation about his true motivations during the event. Mats feels insulted when Fanny suggests he might act similarly in a crisis, which leads to a heated argument between them.
As the ski lift ascends in silence, Mats encourages Tomas to express himself through primal screaming, which leads to a moment of catharsis for Tomas as he confronts his deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and cowardice in front of his children.
On their final day, as they prepare to leave, the fog thickens again. Tomas takes initiative, instructing the children to follow him while Ebba trails behind. When she gets lost in the fog, Tomas briefly abandons the kids to find her, which he does, returning with a smile.
The journey down the mountain takes a chaotic turn when Ebba, feeling that the driver is incompetent, panics and demands to leave the bus. Mats steps in to organize the group, ensuring women and children exit first. The tension escalates as they all exit and make their way down the winding mountain road, and amidst the chaos, Tomas succumbs to temptation and accepts a cigarette from a stranger, much to Harry’s surprise, who questions his father’s sudden change of behavior after a smoke-free vacation. As the family’s dynamics shift, each member grapples with their relationships and the aftermath of the incident, leaving the resort forever altered.
Force Majeure Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival at the Resort” to “End of the Vacation”. 12 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Arrival at the Resort
Tomas and his family arrive at a luxurious resort located in the French Alps for their much-anticipated vacation. The picturesque surroundings set the stage for what they hope will be a relaxing and enjoyable getaway.
Where:French Alps
- 2
Avalanche Incident
While enjoying an outdoor meal on their second day, the family witnesses a controlled avalanche, a terrifying sight that creates immediate panic. In a moment of fear, Tomas records the scene on his phone but ultimately abandons Ebba and their children to escape the unfolding chaos.
Where:French Alps Resort
- 3
Fog Lifts
As the fog from the avalanche clears, it becomes evident that no one was harmed in the incident. This revelation provides a moment of relief for Ebba, but it does not erase the tension that has begun to build between her and Tomas.
Where:French Alps Resort
- 4
Dinner with Friends
That evening, the family dines with one of Ebba's friends, who has invited an American man. During dinner, Ebba expresses her frustrations regarding Tomas's cowardice during the avalanche, leading to an intense disagreement that leaves everyone uncomfortable.
Where:French Alps Resort
- 5
Ebba Goes Skiing Alone
Feeling the weight of the argument and the growing distance in their relationship, Ebba decides to ski alone the next day. While skiing, she confronts her friend about her own reckless behavior and begins to reflect deeply on her marriage to Tomas.
Where:French Alps
- 6
Mats Arrives
One of Tomas's old friends, Mats, arrives at the resort with his girlfriend, Fanny. The group shares an uneasy dinner where tensions resurface as Ebba recounts the avalanche incident yet again, heightening the discomfort among those present.
Where:French Alps Resort
- 7
Showing the Avalanche Video
Ebba decides to show everyone the recorded footage of the avalanche, prompting discussions about Tomas's actions during the incident. Mats brings up how people react differently in crises, leading to speculation about Tomas's true feelings of cowardice.
Where:French Alps Resort
- 8
Primal Scream
During a ski lift ride, Mats encourages Tomas to release his pent-up emotions through primal screaming. This moment allows Tomas to confront his feelings of inadequacy, providing him with a cathartic release in front of his children.
Where:Ski Lift in French Alps
- 9
Fog Thickens Again
On their final day at the resort, thick fog sets in once more as the family prepares to leave. Tomas takes charge, instructing the children, but when Ebba gets lost, he briefly abandons the kids to find her, heightening the complexity of their relationship.
Where:French Alps
- 10
Chaotic Journey Down the Mountain
As they travel down the mountain, anxiety mounts when Ebba panics about the driver's skills. Mats tries to maintain order, stressing the importance of prioritizing women and children during the chaotic exit, showcasing the challenges in their dynamics.
Where:French Alps
- 11
Tomas's Change in Behavior
Amidst the chaos of exiting the bus, Tomas surprisingly accepts a cigarette from a stranger. This sudden shift in behavior shocks Harry, compelling him to question his father's actions after a smoke-free vacation, representing the family's evolving dynamics.
Where:Mountain Road
- 12
End of the Vacation
As the family leaves the resort, each member grapples with the emotional fallout from the avalanche incident. The vacation has irrevocably altered their relationships, leading them to confront their feelings about courage, trust, and family.
Where:French Alps
Who Are the Main Characters in Force Majeure?
6 characters, among them Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke), Ebba (Clara Wettergren) and Mats (Kristofer Hivju): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke)
Played by Johannes Kuhnke
Tomas is portrayed as a conflicted father and husband grappling with feelings of inadequacy. His decision to flee from danger haunts him, leading to tensions with Ebba and self-reflection. He embodies the struggle between societal expectations of masculinity and his personal fears.
- 👨👧👦 Family
- ⚡ Crisis
- 🏃♂️ Cowardice
- E(
Ebba (Clara Wettergren)
Played by Clara Wettergren
Ebba represents desire for clarity and confrontation. As a mother, she navigates feelings of betrayal and confusion after the avalanche incident. Her exploration of unconventional relationship dynamics highlights her internal quest for understanding and security within her family unit.
- 💔 Marriage
- ❄️ Exploration
- 🏔️ Strength
-
Mats (Kristofer Hivju)
Played by Kristofer Hivju
Mats is a long-time friend of Tomas, who inadvertently complicates matters with his blunt observations about human behavior in crises. His presence serves as a mirror for Tomas, pushing him towards confronting his actions while highlighting the complexities of male friendships.
- 👬 Friendship
- 🤔 Reflection
- 🔥 Conflict
-
Fanny (Lisa Loven Kongsli)
Played by Lisa Loven Kongsli
Fanny, Mats' girlfriend, adds depth to the dinner conversations with her provocative views on relationships. Her perspective sparks debate and introspection among the group, challenging traditional norms and encouraging characters to reevaluate their feelings about love and commitment.
- 💬 Debate
- 🌍 Perspective
- 👩❤️👨 Relationships
- V(
Vera (Vincent Wettergren)
Played by Vincent Wettergren
Vera is the young daughter caught between her parents' escalating tensions. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the adult problems surrounding her, and she symbolizes the impact that parental conflicts can have on children.
- 👧 Innocence
- 👪 Family Dynamics
- 🎢 Growth
- H(
Harry (Vincent Wettergren)
Played by Vincent Wettergren
Harry, the preschool-aged son, represents youthful curiosity and confusion amidst family turmoil. His reactions to his father's actions offer a poignant commentary on how children perceive and internalize adult behavior.
- 👶 Curiosity
- 💡 Learning
- 🎭 Role Reversal
Where and When Is Force Majeure Set?
Force Majeure is set in French Alps. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie portrays contemporary themes, reflecting modern family dynamics and interpersonal relationships in the present day. The characters grapple with personal crises in a setting that emphasizes both leisure and introspection. It captures the essence of current societal challenges faced by families.
Where
French Alps
The French Alps, a picturesque mountain range, are known for their stunning scenery and world-class ski resorts. This region attracts tourists year-round for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The luxurious resort where the family vacations offers a retreat from their daily lives, but also becomes the backdrop for their emotional turmoil.
- 🏔️ Mountains
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🏨 Luxury Resort
What Are the Themes of Force Majeure?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Nature and Crisis, Relationships and Fear and Cowardice.
-
01
Nature and Crisis
Nature plays a central role in 'Force Majeure,' serving as both the setting and catalyst for the family's conflict. The controlled avalanche symbolizes external pressures that force characters to confront their internal struggles. The serene environment contrasts sharply with the whirlwind of emotions that ensue.
-
02
Relationships
The movie delves deep into the complexities of marriage and familial bonds, illustrating how one moment of cowardice can unravel years of trust. Ebba's and Tomas's relationship is tested, showcasing the fragility of love and the impact of vulnerability. Each character's response to the crisis reveals their true nature and commitment.
-
03
Fear and Cowardice
Fear is a predominant theme, explored through Tomas's instinctual flight during the avalanche. This act of perceived cowardice leads to self-doubt and questioning of one's identity as a protector. The characters must grapple with their notions of bravery and the consequences of their actions amid panic.
What Kind of Film Is Force Majeure?
Tense in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A tense and uncomfortable character study set in a pristine alpine resort, where a singular moment of cowardice unravels a family's facade, forcing a slow-burning confrontation with uncomfortable truths.
- awkward
- uncomfortable
- anxious
- passive aggressive
- cathartic
- melancholic
- marital strife
- cowardice
- family vacation
- gender roles
Content notes: emotional distress, marital conflict.
Quiz
How well do you remember Force Majeure? Test yourself on the story.
