Brace Your Heart: A Stunning Portrait of Sámi Womanhood

Introduction: A Flawless First Impression

When I first heard about Brace Your Heart, my immediate thought was: 'What does a reindeer herder even do for fun?' The answer, as it turns out, is quite a lot — and much more than I ever imagined. This film from Swedish director Amanda Kernell is not only a striking visual experience but also an emotional journey that challenges our preconceptions about identity, tradition, and what it means to be a woman in a world that often overlooks Indigenous voices.

"For those of us who only ever think about reindeer when December draws in, and even then in a fairly abstract sense, 'Brace Your Heart' arrives as a flinty reality check."

This quote from Variety's Guy Lodge perfectly encapsulates the film's impact. It's not just a story; it's a cultural awakening. We're thrust into the harsh beauty of Sámi life in northern Europe, where reindeer herding is more than a profession — it's a way of life.

The Heart of the Matter: Ejva's Journey

At the center of this film is Ejva, a young woman played by Elli Sara Valkeapää, a real-life reindeer herder who brings a raw authenticity to her role. Ejva finds herself thrust into her father's shoes after his sudden death, becoming the head of the family business at just 20 years old. This isn't your typical coming-of-age story — it's a full-blown survivalist drama that makes you question how far you'd go for family and tradition.

The physical demands of her new role are staggering. We see Ejva wrestling with snowmobiles, traversing treacherous terrain, and enduring the brutal cold without complaint. But perhaps even more challenging is the social dynamic within the Sámi community, where being a woman in this male-dominated space adds another layer of complexity.

Love, Loyalty, and Toxic Masculinity

The film explores the nuances of gender roles through Ejva's romantic entanglements. She's caught between two men — Heaika, a local herding bigwig who's been pursuing her romantically, and Nejla, a kinder, gentler soul who saved her from an icy near-death experience. This love triangle feels like it could have been pulled straight out of a traditional romance novel, but Kernell doesn't let it rest there.

As the story unfolds, Heaika's behavior becomes increasingly problematic, revealing the toxic side of masculine power dynamics in Sámi society. Meanwhile, Ejva's journey becomes one of self-discovery and redefinition — not just of her own identity, but also of what it means to lead a community that has always been led by men.

Cinematography That Speaks Volumes

Kernell and cinematographer Sophia Olsson shoot the film with such restraint that every frame feels deliberate. The camera often lingers on Ejva's face, capturing not just her emotions but also the weathered impact of life in the north. These close-ups are more than just shots — they're portraits of resilience.

The film is also visually stunning, particularly when it captures the vastness and beauty of the Sámi landscape. But what makes it truly special isn't just the scenery — it's how the environment becomes part of the story itself. The snow-covered expanses, the stark lighting, even the silence between words all serve to reinforce the film's themes.

Sound and Music: An Ethereal Touch

The score, composed by Rebekka Karijord and Kristian Eidnes Andersen, provides a dreamlike counterpoint to the harsh realities of Ejva's world. Their a cappella vocals weave in and out of scenes like a whisper from nature itself, enhancing the film's emotional depth without overwhelming it.

This musical choice reflects a broader approach to storytelling — one that values subtlety over spectacle. Kernell avoids melodrama at every turn, choosing instead to let the audience feel the weight of Ejva's decisions through visual cues and quiet moments of reflection.

Identity in Crisis: Tradition vs. Modernity

One of the most compelling aspects of Brace Your Heart is how it navigates the tension between tradition and modernity. Ejva isn't simply fighting to maintain her family's legacy — she's also grappling with whether that legacy is worth preserving in a rapidly changing world.

This internal conflict mirrors broader societal struggles faced by Indigenous communities worldwide. It's not just about surviving in the old ways; it's about redefining them for the 21st century. And Ejva does this with grace, strength, and an unshakeable sense of purpose.

Realism vs. Artifice: A Non-Professional Cast

Shooting largely with a non-professional cast adds another layer of authenticity to the film. Valkeapää and her co-stars aren't actors playing characters — they're real people living lives that are, in many ways, similar to Ejva's own. This approach gives the film an immediacy that few mainstream films can match.

It's a bold move by Kernell, who trusts her subjects to tell their own stories. And it pays off — we're not just watching a movie; we're witnessing lives lived with honesty and dignity.

A Film for the Ages

Since its debut at Toronto's Oscar-qualifying Platform program and subsequent screening at San Sebastian, Brace Your Heart has garnered critical acclaim. With a focus on Indigenous womanhood in a globalized world, it deserves to be seen by audiences beyond the arthouse circuit — especially given its accessible yet profound narrative.

This is not just a film about reindeer or Sámi culture; it's a story about courage, leadership, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Whether you're a fan of international cinema or simply appreciate great storytelling, this one deserves a place on your watchlist.

Final Thoughts: A Powerful Ode to Resilience

Brace Your Heart is more than just a film — it's an experience. It challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and engage with perspectives we may never have considered. Through Ejva's journey, Kernell reminds us that true strength doesn't come from being invincible — it comes from enduring, adapting, and leading with integrity.

If you haven't seen this yet, brace yourself — literally. Because once you start watching, there's no turning back.