How to Shout

An aesthetically pleasing setting is built from psychotherapist Anu’s office, a summer cottage secluded in nature, and the forest that stands as a witness to trauma.

The patient, Heloisa, begins to experience sadistic intrusive thoughts as she falls in love, prompting her to seek help. At the same time, she and Anu reflect on the unique nature of the therapeutic relationship – one in which the listener knows everything about the speaker, while the paying party knows nothing about the other. Perhaps therapy can be healing for the therapist too, or a trigger for deeper issues. What if the patient begins writing in their own notebook during sessions?

Their relationship grows complicated after the therapy ends, entangled by confidentiality and a shared Midsummer gathering. Answers to lingering questions and hidden lies could be found only by flying into the fire. When the beautiful young woman has a panic attack due to water induced trauma, sedatives are welcome and there’s no longer a fight. The dirty laundry is on display. All who enter the forest at night are met with the truth – whether they seek it or not. The film may divide opinion: is it cathartic, or a sorrowful song.

Sari Kivijärvi