Reactions from viewers are strong and varied. One Letterboxd user calls it " a harsh short film to watch " while also labeling it " a gripping one for what it is ". An Amazon review, translated from German, is less impressed, criticizing it as a " cheap production " with " bad main actors " and a " bad plot ". This mix of reactions, from profoundly moved to unimpressed, suggests that Sekunder is a film that demands to be seen and leaves a strong impression. One reviewer on Filmtipset.se (Swedish) noted it as a " small creepy film with slightly scary monsters, but in the end nothing special ".
The most defining characteristic of Sekunder is its . By deliberately subverting the standard timeline, the filmmakers manipulate audience empathy to maximize the story's emotional impact.
As we've seen with "Sekunder," short films have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences. Whether you're a filmmaker, film enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a new perspective, short films like "Sekunder" are definitely worth checking out.
Sekunder (2009) is an 18-minute Danish short film directed by Anders Fløe Svenningsen, exploring themes of revenge and trauma through a reverse chronological narrative. The crime-drama features Tao Hildebrand as the father, Kenni, and Marie Boda as his daughter, Mathilde, focusing on the brutal consequences of a child-abuse investigation. For the full cast and crew, visit IMDb . Sekunder (Short 2009) - IMDb
The film features a strong ensemble of Danish talent, many of whom have gone on to work in major Scandinavian productions. Sekunder (Short 2009) - IMDb sekunder+2009+short+film
Directed by Danish filmmaker Kasper Møller Jensen, Sekunder (Danish for "Seconds") is a 15-minute psychological thriller/horror short released in 2009. Unlike the jump-scare laden horror of the late 2000s, Sekunder relies on what we do not see.
The narrative follows . Overwhelmed by rage and grief, he sets out to find the man responsible and take justice into his own hands. The short film examines the darkest corners of human emotion—how far a parent will go to avenge a child when the formal justice system feels inadequate, and the devastating toll such an act takes on an individual and their family.
The short film opens in media res , showcasing the grim consequences of an act of violence. Police officers (played by Jacob Fisker and Nikolaj Sonqvist) investigate a scene defined by panic and blood. The audience is immediately introduced to an outraged father, Kenni, whose life has completely unraveled. The Retaliation
The central conflict of Sekunder (which translates to "Seconds") centers around Kenni (played by Tao Hildebrand), an outraged father who chooses to take immediate, violent revenge after his daughter shares a devastating secret. The short film heavily employs keywords such as child abuse, rape-revenge, and structural reverse-chronology to build intense suspense over its brief runtime. By unraveling the timeline backward, the cinematography by Martin Munch focuses on the immediate, visceral seconds before and after a breaking point. It forces the viewer to confront the consequences of vigilante justice before fully understanding the context of the underlying trauma. Cast and Characters Reactions from viewers are strong and varied
The film begins at what is chronologically the end of the narrative. Viewers are immediately confronted with the grim aftermath of a violent incident and the arrest of a father. Deprived of context, the audience naturally assumes the father is the primary offender or wrongdoer.
The distraught father whose actions serve as the film's primary violent anchor.
The perpetrator of the underlying sexual crime who becomes the target of the father's wrath.
The plot centers on a tight-knit family unit fractured by an off-screen trauma. When 12-year-old Mathilde reveals a dark secret to her father, Kenni, it triggers an unstoppable chain reaction. Role in the Narrative Tao Hildebrand The outraged father who takes brutal, immediate revenge. Mathilde Marie Hammer Boda This mix of reactions, from profoundly moved to
, examining how films reflect social interpretations of trauma and sexual difference. Educational Utility:
One of the most distinctive and effective elements of "Sekunder" is its use of . This narrative technique, famously used in films like Gaspar Noé's "Irréversible," presents the story's events in reverse order.
The film opens by showing the consequence of a violent, desperate act. We see a father, Kenni (played by Tao Hildebrand), dealing with the fallout of a brutal revenge, painting him immediately as a desperate man.
Released in 2009, Sekunder aligns with the gritty, minimalist visual style often found in contemporary Danish independent cinema. For specific viewer descriptions, user reviews, and content tags regarding its mature subject matter, you can explore the Sekunder Letterboxd Page or view the database entries on The Movie Database (TMDB) .
YOUNG MOTHER > I think I should go check on the nurse. JONAS > Why are you here? YOUNG MOTHER > What? JONAS > You said it’s a fever. Why are you here at 2 AM for a fever? YOUNG MOTHER > (Defensive) > The clinic was closed. The fever spiked to 104. I was scared. JONAS > (He steps closer) > Are you scared now? YOUNG MOTHER > Yes. JONAS > Good. That means you’re paying attention.