Is What a Circus! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, What a Circus! represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Family category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Everything is as usual at the circus, where a cheerful band of performers enjoy a world full of magic and where grown-ups get to play. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Family are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Everything is as usual at the circus, where a cheerful band of performers enjoy a world full of magic and where grown-ups get to play. Ramona loves her life inside and outside the circus ring, and not least her motley circus family. But strange tracks in the snow and a series of mysterious incidents threaten to disturb her paradise. Someone is watching her. The question is: Who and why? At the same time, her beloved father and circus manager Leo, is beginning to behave very strangely indeed. Worried that his circus will be outshone by their rival, Circus Supremo, Leo is demanding the impossible from his performers."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Rasmus Bjerg delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Family acting at its most potent.

The direction by Lotte Svendsen is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is What a Circus! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Family, then this is a mandatory viewing experience—a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, What a Circus! explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lotte Svendsen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, What a Circus! is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rasmus Bjerg or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, What a Circus! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.