From the opening scene of Regitze stuck in traffic, you get the feeling she might not be the luckiest person in the world. We quickly realise that’s the case when she’s late to her mother’s funeral. This is made worse when her father, Jan, hardly acknowledges her.
It seems she may have gotten her personality traits from Jan, who seems to be mostly grumpy. But their eyes have a slight sparkle as they listen to a tape recording of Regitze’s mother’s dying wish, for them to walk the Camino and put their differences aside for the better of their small family.
Regitze is on this journey for reconciliation. Jan is on the walk to do well by his wife’s dying wish and walk the beautiful pilgrimage and all it has to offer.
The awkward silences are nothing compared to the arguments. Jan manages to belittle Regitze at almost every chance. He seems to have picked up a trait from his father, whom he dislikes speaking of.
Their relationship comes to a crossroads when drunken Jan slaps Regitze. Ready to move on with her life and forget her father, Regitze organises to leave the hike early. That is until Jan takes a nasty spill and gains a severe concussion.
A local cook, Tito, manages to find Regitze and asks her back to help her father. As Jan mends, Tito and Regitze build a close friendship as she helps in his kitchen. But as all great holidays must do, it came to an end. But thankfully, not an end to Regitze and Jan’s relationship.
Like all movies about the Camino, there is always an underlying motivation of grief or individuals searching for something inside themselves. This film is no different. Heartache, loss and the will to move forward are the inspiration of most of the characters. And while it may seem a tad done, there is something still magical about the characters on the Camino.
Visually, we don’t spend as much time as its beauty along the trail as you’d hope to see. A lot of the camera work is up close. Or the major conversations are made when the characters have stopped for the night. However, it still makes for a wonderful journey for the viewer.
It’s the performances that make this film work. Regitze, played by Danica Curcic, navigates a lonely, pregnant and soon-to-be single mother tormented by her father. She walks this fine line between wanting to be a good daughter and reconciling their differences to being greatly unhappy.
Overall, Camino is exactly what you would expect. A group of characters from all walks of life in search of something they may never find. The highs and lows of their relationships, along with the journey itself, make for a worthwhile adventure.
You can see the Australian Premiere of Camino as part of the 2023 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival. Head to scandinavianfilmfestival.com for more info.
