For a project of any length, the cast and crew of Sekunder is impressive. It was written by director Anders Fløe Svenningsen and Nikolaj Sonqvist . The central role of the father, Kenni, is played by Tao Hildebrand . The daughter, Mathilde, is played by Marie Boda . The full cast also includes Jens Bo Jørgensen, Pernille Glavind Olsson, Amalie Amorøe, and Jacob Fisker . Behind the camera, the film was photographed by cinematographer Martin Munch, edited by Thor Ochsner, and featured a score by composer Peter Due .
This dedicated ensemble, both in front of and behind the camera, crafted a tense and emotionally charged experience that has resonated with viewers worldwide.
Fifteen years after its release, Sekunder (2009) continues to be studied by film students and aspiring directors. It serves as a masterclass in:
The film’s most distinctive feature is its reverse-chronological structure. The story begins by showing the outcome of the father's revenge, a cruel act that results in his arrest. It then works backward, slowly revealing the events and the reason for his violent actions. This clever plot device initially makes the father appear to be the offender, leading to a shocking reversal as the real culprit is unveiled. sekunder 2009 short film work
The film strips away the sensationalism often found in Hollywood revenge cinema. By ending on the quiet, painful conversation between a father and his child, the filmmakers strip away the violence. They leave the audience with the emotional reality of the situation. The title itself, Seconds , refers to how quickly a life can be altered forever—and how swiftly human perception can shift when given the missing pieces of a puzzle.
Fifteen years after its release, Sekunder (2009) remains a noteworthy piece of short filmmaking. It is a stark reminder of the power of storytelling to confront difficult social issues. The film’s ability to disturb, provoke, and force empathy makes it a compelling, albeit challenging, viewing experience. Key Takeaways of the 2009 Sekunder Short Film: Mads Matthiesen Genre: Drama/Short Film Structure: Reverse chronology Themes: Serious harm, revenge, trauma, parental protection
As Lars begins to document the phenomenon, he realizes that the temporal gap is growing. By the middle of the film, his reflection is a full five seconds behind. The horror escalates when he looks at his wife in the hallway mirror; her reflection moves in real time . The lag is unique to him. The film poses an existential question: What happens when the mirror stops following your commands? And what is the "thing" in the glass waiting for? For a project of any length, the cast
The film opens with the immediate aftermath of a crime: the police arresting a bloodied, frantic father. Because the audience lacks context, the natural instinct is to assume the arrested man is the villain. It is only by traveling backward through time—second by second, minute by minute—that the film strips away misconceptions.
Technically, Sekunder reflects the transition period of the 2009 film industry, where digital filmmaking began to rival the aesthetic quality of traditional film stock. The cinematography leans heavily into naturalistic lighting, which grounds the high-stakes drama in a relatable reality.
The title Sekunder (Seconds) serves as a thematic anchor. It references the mere moments it takes for a life to be permanently altered—the seconds during an assault, the second a secret is confessed, and the split-second decision to throw away one's future for the sake of retribution. Martin Munch’s tight, claustrophobic cinematography emphasizes this micro-focus on time. Standout Performances The daughter, Mathilde, is played by Marie Boda
The film's impact was a collaborative effort from a talented Scandinavian cast and crew: Sekunder (Short 2009) - IMDb
Had the film been told linearly, it would follow a predictable, Hollywood-style vigilante trajectory. Instead, Svenningsen utilizes to deeply disorient the viewer:
For modern creators, the 2009 film proves that a compelling narrative does not require expensive visual effects or vast set pieces. True cinematic tension is built by manipulating time, trusting the actors' performances, and understanding that the psychological buildup to an event is often far more impactful than the physical act itself.
Argumento. ... An outraged father takes revenge after his daughter shares a secret. Sekunder (Short 2009) - IMDb