Above the Knee Digital Review

3 star deeply disturbing thriller.

Above the Knee is a 2024 psychological horror/thriller, from the mind of Norwegian writer/director Viljar Bøe (Good Boy, Til Freddy), who continues to think outside the box with this bloody and in depth exploration of body dysmorphia.

It is available now on UK and Ireland Digital Platforms, courtesy of Blue Finch Film Releasing. It is presented in Norwegian with English subtitles.

“In my case, it means I wish I was born blind. But in other instances it could mean they wish they were born without an arm or a leg.”

As the film opens, we see a blood covered rock fall from a sheer cliff. We then see a normal suburban home with an anything but normal scene, a man slicing into his own leg with a saw.

Amir (Freddy Singh – What Will People Say) lives with his beautiful girlfriend of seven years, Kim (Julie Abrahamsen). He is unemployed and spends his time obsessing over his lower left leg, which he perceives to be rotting. Kim is totally unaware of this and while she goes out to work, he paints himself without the leg in a locked secret room in their basement. He even tucks his leg beneath him and practices sitting in a wheelchair.

While watching TV one day, they see a documentary featuring Rikke (Louise Waage Anda), a young woman who suffers from Body Integrity Dysphoria, B.I.D. and wants to be blind. He realises he suffers from the same condition and reaches out to her under the pretence of writing a paper on the subject. At the same time, he gets an office job working for his old friend Jonas (Viggo Solomon), but all he thinks about is his leg and how to get rid of it. As we count down the days to “The Accident” with him, will anyone be able to help him overcome his growing desperation?

“I don’t think a depressive alcoholic who wants to get rid of their leg should be a Dad.”

Above the Knee is a very well written and interesting film. It wasn’t a condition I was aware of prior to watching this and it was certainly an eye opener. It is a brave choice to present reality entirely through the perception of the main character, but it works really well in this case.

The opening sequences are not presented in chronological order. but they are constantly referred back to throughout the film, as Amir’s way of handling his growing obsession with his leg. The acting performances are superb throughout and really bring life to these characters.

This is a clever and thoroughly disturbing film, a difficult watch in a number of places and stays with you after the credits roll. Well worth a watch.

“It’s kind of like having an arm growing out of your chest. Or constantly having something in your eye. You just know you need to get rid of it.”

Above the Knee is on UK and Ireland digital platforms 8 September