Teenager's Unexpected Journey in 'Weightless': A Gritty Danish Drama

In the Danish drama, 'Weightless,' teenage protagonist Lea (Marie Helweg Augustsen) soaks in more than just healthy eating habits and workout routines in a summer fat camp. Directed by Emilie Thalund, the film might draw comparison to other works involving self-conscious teenagers but sets itself apart with a fresh narrative perspective and careful handling of sensitive themes.

Lea, somewhat eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle, arrives at the summer camp for an inevitable weigh-in and a thorough physical exam. Her plus-sized mother emphasizes that this self-improvement journey was Lea’s own choice. Interestingly, the story refrains from discussing the possibility of weight-loss medication, mirroring the camp's traditional approach of fixed meal portions and rigorous physical activity.

A plot twist arrives in the form of Sasha (Ella Paaske), Lea's roommate, who isn't overweight but has been sent to the camp for disciplinary reasons. The story takes a darker turn when adult camp counselor Rune (Joachim Fjelstrup) begins to pay unusual attention to the girls. Lea finds herself enamored with him, her adolescent romantic feelings manifested through innocent laughter at his jokes and curious spying. An awkward scene unfolds where Rune expresses his interest in Lea, an incident rarely shown in mainstream American films. The scene stands out due to Augustsen’s portrayal of surprising emotions including surprise and confusion, tainted with a hint of excitement.

Friendship dynamics between Sasha and Lea form another central theme of the film. Despite Sasha’s manipulative behavior, a dramatic moment transition their relationship from a bully-victim dynamic to an unexpected friendship. The film ends on a sober note, depicting a believable, although less dramatic ending. Viewer reactions may range depending on personal experiences with teenage years, overweight struggles or sexual exploitation. The narrative deviates from the conventional sense of justice and instead opts for a more coldly objective and empathetic representation.