Sara Margrethe Oskal was a reindeer herder for a decade before entering the artistic realm. Therefore, it is most fitting that her feature-length debut, The Tundra Within Me (Eallogierdu), focuses on the semi-nomadic life the writer-director was once a part of. For context, Sápmi spans the northern regions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula. The people who reside there are the Sami, who are primarily reindeer herders and have a deep connection to the land, passing down traditions and knowledge from one generation to the next.
Lena (Risten Anine Kvernmo Gaup) and her son Jonas Ántá (Elias Ánte Pilutaq Gaup Lennert) have just moved back to the Sápmi town where she grew up. However, their stay is only temporary as Lena is conducting research for her latest painting series, much to the chagrin of Lena’s mother, Márjá (Anitta Suikkari). Said project is about female herders, but most are resistant to talk to Lena, although a few acquiesce to the request. While trying to recruit interviewees, Lena meets Máhtte (Nils Ailu Kemi), whose mother, Gáren (Berit Ánne Oskal Kemi), manages a reindeer herd. While Gáren doesn’t agree to an interview, Lena and Máhtte begin to grow close.
The Tundra Within Me tells a pretty conventional story, as the heart of the matter is someone moving home after years away and falling in love. How many Hallmark films have that same broad premise? This is why strong writing and characterizations are so very important. Oskal keeps everything grounded, and while there is a meet-cute, very little here is played for rom-com laughs. This is a more dramatic and realistic affair, and it works. It certainly helps that Lena’s art subplot is fascinating in its own right. Female herders think she’s mocking them and refuse to engage in a discussion about her paintings to even try to understand them. In several moments, it is shown that Lena still has what it takes to live a Sami life, but she doesn’t wish to. This adds another layer to her and Máhtte’s relationship, as this is a temporary stop.
Berit Ánne Oskal Kemi as Gáren, a stoic reindeer herder, captured in a powerful moment of resilience in Sara Margrethe Oskal’s The Tundra Within Me.
“While Gáren doesn’t agree to an interview, Lena and Máhtte begin to grow close.”
Oskal’s direction captures the isolation of the Sami life, where even mothers can be cold and distant to their offspring. But she also showcases it in all its beauty, with cinematography that gorgeously sweeps across the icy landscape. The reverence for these people and their culture is evident, and that love elevates several parts of the story that have a “been there, seen it” vibe.
Gaup is terrific. She’s believable no matter what emotion she conveys and effectively sells Lena’s hesitation to return. Her chemistry with Ailu Kemi is natural and sweet, creating a believable romance. For his part, Ailu Kemi is nice and convincingly beleaguered by his mom. Oskal Kemi is brilliant, selling an icy demeanor that could have been one note. Instead, the actor makes this person far more complicated and engaging. Suikkari is the much-needed levity in the story, and her comedic timing is on point from beginning to end.
The Tundra Within Me is a conventional but good romance. What makes the film stand out is its examination of modernity versus traditions, nature versus nurture, and artistic pursuits versus practicality. The characters are fully developed and have clear motivations. If one knows nothing about Sami, then this is a fantastic place to start, as Oskal’s love for the culture she came from is on full display.
"…if one knows nothing about Sami, then this is a fantastic place to start..."
