: It explores heavy themes of crime, sexual abuse, and the psychological impact of revenge. Production Details : Approximately 18 minutes. Tao Hildebrand as Kenni (the father). Marie Boda as Mathilde (the daughter). Jens Bo Jørgensen as Ebbe (the perpetrator). : Anders Fløe and Nikolaj Sonqvist. Critical Reception Filmaffinity , the film is categorized under
as Ebbe, the rapist who targets the family Pernille Glavind Olsson as Karen, Ebbe’s wife Amalie Amorøe as Sidse, Ebbe’s daughter
Despite its harsh subject matter, Sekunder received critical recognition, particularly for the performance of its lead actress. won two major awards for her portrayal of Mathilde:
The film serves as an early showcase for actress Marie Hammer Boda. Boda delivers a highly gripping performance as Mathilde. She later transitioned into mainstream Danish television and film projects, making Sekunder a notable historical piece for fans of contemporary Scandinavian cinema.
Sekunder invites multiple readings. It can be read as a meditation on mortality, a critique of modern inattention, or a portrait of trauma where small sensory cues trigger a flood of recollection. Its brevity is a strength: the concentrated form leaves a strong, lingering impression, prompting viewers to replay the seconds in their minds—mirroring the film’s own focus on time. sekunder+2009+short+film
"Sekunder" has received widespread critical acclaim for its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of the human experience. The film has been praised for its:
The film is often cited alongside other notable short films of that era as an example of how brief cinematic works can convey powerful, complex messages through focused scripts and strong visual storytelling. Sekunder (Short 2009) - IMDb
, noted specifically for its "harsh" portrayal of its subject matter. It is often compared to other high-stakes revenge thrillers like Eye for an Eye in film recommendation databases. The Movie Database streaming platform
Sekunder is a difficult but powerful piece of cinema. Its use of reverse chronology is more than a gimmick; it's an essential storytelling device that builds suspense and deepens the tragedy. The film doesn't shy away from its dark themes, offering a raw and unflinching look at a father's desperate, violent reaction to an unspeakable crime. : It explores heavy themes of crime, sexual
as Mathilde : The young daughter whose vulnerability and trauma form the catalyst of the entire narrative.
: It follows the classic "eye for an eye" motif, focusing on the father's vigilante justice.
While not for the faint of heart, "Sekunder" stands as a significant entry in Danish short cinema. It showcases the talent of its director and cast in tackling a profoundly difficult subject with artistic sensitivity and brutal honesty. For fans of European arthouse, intense dramas, or innovative storytelling, this Danish short, whose title translates to is a forgotten masterpiece worth the effort it takes to discover.
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 Marie Boda as Mathilde (the daughter)
Focuses on a father's desperate and violent actions after his daughter goes missing. The Virgin Spring (1960)
– Sekunder (2009) is likely a Swedish or Scandinavian short film (since "Sekunder" means "Seconds" in Swedish/Danish/Norwegian). It may have been a student film or a festival short.
Sekunder is not an easy watch. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.6, reflective of its challenging subject matter. Critics and audiences have universally described it as a "harsh," "cruel," and "uncomfortable" viewing experience, with its relentless and grim portrayal of the aftermath of sexual abuse marking it as a work that lingers in the mind long after its 18-minute runtime has ended.