Name: Blasted
Genre: Science Fiction, Comedy, Action
Released: 2022-06-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Axel Bøyum, Mathias Luppichini, Fredrik Skogsrud, Eirik Hallert, André Sørum

The opening scene of Martin Sofiedal’s Blasted is a bachelor party in chaos, but not the kind you’d expect. Axel Bøyum’s Sebastian, our reluctant groom-to-be, finds his celebration derailed when Mathias Luppichini’s Audun—an old friend with a penchant for drama—shows up and steals the spotlight. What starts as a raucous night of male bonding takes an unexpected turn when an alien invasion forces this fractured group to band together, dusting off their childhood laser-tag skills to survive.

Blasted is part Men in Black, part The Hangover, with a dash of Independence Day thrown in for good measure. Sofiedal aims for a high-energy blend of science fiction, comedy, and action, but the execution feels uneven at best. The film’s strongest moments come from its ensemble cast, particularly Bøyum and Luppichini, who share an undeniable chemistry that grounds the more outlandish elements of the plot. Their banter is sharp, and their dynamic adds a layer of emotional weight to the absurdity unfolding around them.

The alien invasion itself is a mixed bag. The visual effects are serviceable, but the creatures themselves lack any real menace or originality, feeling more like a mashup of familiar tropes than something fresh. The action sequences, while well-choreographed, suffer from a reliance on shaky-cam and rapid cuts that make it difficult to follow what’s happening on screen.

Where Blasted truly falters is in its pacing and tone. The film struggles to find a consistent voice, oscillating between slapstick comedy and serious sci-fi drama without ever fully committing to either. The bachelor party setup promises a raunchy, character-driven comedy, but the alien invasion shifts the focus to generic action beats that fail to capitalize on the potential of the initial premise.

The performances are a highlight, with Ingrid Bolsø Berdal standing out as Hjørdis, the no-nonsense bridesmaid who becomes an unlikely hero. Her scenes are some of the most engaging in the film, providing a much-needed anchor amidst the chaos. However, even strong performances can’t save the film from its structural issues.

Blasted is a film that wants to be many things at once but ultimately fails to deliver on any of them with consistency. It’s a shame, because the core idea—a group of old friends forced to confront their past while fighting off an alien invasion—has real potential. With tighter writing and a clearer vision, Blasted could have been something special.

Tags: sci-fi, Axel Bøyum, Blasted, Fredrik Skogsrud, Martin Sofiedal, Mathias Luppichini