Force Majeure, 2014

March 26, 2022 | KATHERINE DEMITUS

The majority of the film’s setting takes place in the French Alps as the main portrayed family enjoys a skiing vacation. The movie specifically follows the two parental figures, Thomas and Ebba, as they find themselves in constant arguments over moral actions and behaviors, which are seen throughout the film. At the beginning of the film, we witness a series of events that provide the basis of questionable morality seen in each of the characters. Within this scene, the family is enjoying breakfast on the outside veranda when an avalanche begins to head near their resort. At this moment, Ebba is concerned and Thomas declares that it is controlled and they will be safe. As the avalanche gets as close as to engulfing the veranda, Thomas runs away while Ebba grabs her children and hovers over them. The avalanche did not end up suffocating anyone just appeared as if it would. Because there was no issue and all survived, the rest of the movie follows Ebba as she tries to understand through herself, Thomas, and other couples what the correct moral decisions would have been in that situation; and, of other scenarios that occur during the vacation.

Throughout the film, there are multiple representations of Gilligan’s ethics of care. The film plays into the difference between men's and women’s moral ideologies and progressions. By looking at the avalanche scene, it is evident that there was a drastic difference in action between Thomas and Ebba. In making an urgent and hast decision, one demonstrates their true intentions and moral compasses. As we see Thomas run, it can be determined that he was looking to protect himself with no regard for his family or others. Contrarily, we see Ebba try and create a protective barrier over her children in hopes to save them even at the cost of her own life.

Between these two characters, we see the rationalization that occurs within one's mind and how gender plays a role. Just as Gilligan says in her writing, women have more complexity to their decisions and actions. During this split-second decision, Ebba thinks of her children as a protective mother while Thomas thinks of himself and his own security. Just from this scene alone, we see how feelings and preconceived ideas affect the moral development of women, in the sense that they will commonly place others at a higher priority than themselves.

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