A Family Get Away Descends Into Bloody Chaos

Sweden has been getting a reputation for being the home of eerie traditions and ominous natives. In 2019, Ari Aster took us to rural Sweden with Midsommar where an American couple is sucked into a violent cult. The film captivated viewers with its blend of stunning visuals and psychological terror. It made such a mark on audiences that now when some people think of Sweden they think of the off-putting and unnerving horrors that are creeping behind such a picturesque backdrop.

Directed by Steffen Haars, Get Away transports audiences to a remote Swedish island where a seemingly simple family vacation spirals into chaos. Unlike Midsommar’s intense psychological horror, Get Away leans into a dark comedy, blending comedy with blood-soaked terror. While the tone differs, both films excel in crafting settings that juxtapose natural beauty with creeping dread.

The Smith family—comprising father Richard (Nick Frost), mother Susan (Aisling Bea), and their two teenage children—set out for a relaxing holiday on a remote Swedish island. Despite a warning to stay away from the remote island, the family continues their holiday because nothing could go wrong, right? Upon arriving, the island villagers are not as warm and welcoming as the family may have thought. The Smiths soon learn of the disturbing violent history of the island and how it is linked to the annual Karatan Festival. 

They meet their Airbnb host (Eero Milonoff), who insists the islanders are merely bullies and encourages them to enjoy their stay. It soon becomes clear that something much darker is right around the corner. With an off-putting Airbnb host and an island full of villagers, the odds are against the family as they try to survive the holiday they desperately need. 

Get Away strikes an impressive balance between horror and comedy. The film leans heavily into its dark comedic elements, using absurd situations and sharp dialogue to lighten the mood. Even facing grisly violence and escalating tension, Frost and Bea’s comedic timing allows high-stress moments to feel light. 

The horror elements that are inherently a part of the film help build suspense and leave the audience with a sense of unease, not knowing what is next to come. The scares in Get Away are rooted in tension, atmosphere, and sudden bursts of chaos rather than outright terror. There is a push-and-pull dynamic between comedy and humor that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats for most of the film. 

The cast delivers committed performances, with Frost leading the way with his impeccable comedic timing. His portrayal of Richard, the awkwardly charming patriarch of the Smith family is hilarious as expected from the actor. His ability to go from comedy to genuine fear adds believability to Richard. 

Frost and Bea have incredible comedic chemistry together. Bea’s Susan compliments Richard in such a way that is enjoyable to watch. Although when they call each other “mummy” and “daddy” it is a bit awkward, it still gets a laugh. Their chemistry as a bickering yet loving couple adds depth and humor to the story, making their dynamic relatable even in surreal circumstances. The Smith children played by Croft and Ayres also have their moment to shine. They ham up the teenage angst while bringing their all in some of the major moments of the Get Away. 

At a brisk 86 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. Regardless of some of the minor flaws, Get Away is well-crafted overall. It is a solid horror-comedy that still makes for a fun watch.