Come on, boys! Dig deep!
Two more laps!
We want to beat our best Birken result, right?
Yes.
Then stop being a couch potato and spend some more time on your skis.
I don't know how much more my family can tolerate.
Not everyone lives like you, Gjermund.
We can train for a few hours after work tomorrow.
I can't. I have to watch the kids. Martine has choir practice.
Can't you just leave the kids home alone? Let them feel a bit of fear.
That's how you build character, so they don't turn soft.
- Yeah. - Maybe.
If you want to reach your goals, you can't give up at the first hurdle.
Hi. Welcome to Cakes and Shakes. I'm Emilie. What can I get you?
- I'd like eight shakes. - Eight?
Two Kale Madness, one without kale.
- Kale without kale? - Yes.
One Stairway to Heaven.
One Fruit Ninja, no banana, extra kiwi.
One 50/50 with Minty Fuck and Passion Explosion.
One Pineapple Express and One in a Melon, as it comes,
and an Apple of my Eye.
No. Sh! I have to…
The… You said…
Did you just shush me?
I didn't mean to. I need quiet to remember everything.
- Okay. - Yeah.
- I can write it down. - Write it down.
Not a sick bag.
- Okay. - No.
- Yes? - Two…
Two Kale Madness, one without kale.
Kale without kale.
- One Fruit Ninja, no kiwi, extra banana. - Yes.
One Stairway to Heaven, regular.
One special mix with half Minty Fuck and half Passion Explosion.
And one Sweetie Pie, but…
THE WRONG TRACK
Did you quit?
It wasn't like I quit quit. It was only supposed to be temporary.
- It came to a natural end. - Emilie…
It did, and it suited me well because I didn't like working there.
- This didn't work out either. - Can we change the topic?
- What are you gonna do now? - That's not changing the topic, Gina.
- No, listen… - It's a relevant question.
Yes. I have another friend with no qualifications.
Thank you.
She is doing well. She got a job as a tram driver.
- No. - That would suit you.
No!
It would.
Hello!
Hi!
You're such a good kisser.
You know… I really have to pee.
- Okay. - Yeah.
By the way, have you… Have you got a johnny?
- A johnny? - Yes. Have you got one?
No, I don't have a johnny on me.
Okay. While you kiss, I'll be…
- No, while you… While we kiss… - Yeah.
- While you pee, I'll run to the shop. - Yeah.
- To buy a johnny. - Okay.
- Yeah.
- While you're peeing. - Yeah. Okay.
Hi.
- Hi. - Pull your trousers up.
I can't stop. I'm sorry.
The queue in the pub was so long, so… Yeah.
It's weird they only have one toilet.
And if you… I don't know if you've been to the Storo Mall at all?
- Have you been there? - Yes, I have.
Yeah. They have a thousand toilets,
but only one beer… I mean toilet at the pub.
- I see. - Yeah.
Oops!
I'm standing in my own pee.
You know it's illegal to urinate in public?
Yes, I've heard that before. It will not happen again.
This was a once in a lifetime for me.
Okay, let's leave it at that. Just don't do it again.
I won't.
- Go home and get some sleep. - Yes.
- Have a good night. - Thank you.
Yo! Your phone's ringing.
Hello. Emilie speaking.
No. It's my week. I'm coming.
Yeah. Okay, bye.
- Hi, Lilli. Hi, Lisbeth. - Hi.
Hi. Are you not feeling well?
Yeah, you feel hot.
I've put her homework in her bag. Just see if she's up to it, okay?
- Oof. - Hi.
Hi, Joachim.
- This is my week. - I know, but we couldn't reach you, so…
- Where were you last night? - What? I've been… at home.
- Okay. - It's none of your business.
Maybe it's better if I take Lilli home
so you can take a shower after your big night.
Joachim, you can't be angry with me for going out when I don't have Lilli.
Do you want me on standby?
There's a difference between being on standby
and turning up stinking of booze.
Sorry, I need this classroom, so…
- Yes. - Yes.
- Yeah. Lilli, say bye to Dad. - Lilli.
Give me a hug. Get well soon and be a good girl.
Are you and dad arguing?
We're just having a discussion.
Now I think you should get a bit of rest.
- Did you pee? - Yeah, but the toilet's being weird again.
Okay, I'll fix it.
Try to get some sleep.
- No! - No!
- No, take it easy. Honestly. - Bye, boys.
- It's Olav's turn in the middle. - Nice having you here.
- Hi. - No, it's my turn.
- Oh my God! - Hello, boys.
- Hi. - Hi.
There are kids starving to death in other parts of the world. Take…
Could you take… Okay, whatever…
- It's my turn! - No!
Did Helge go home?
He went to Gran Canaria. He needed a break.
- Yeah, right. Very funny. - He said hi.
- Bye. Thanks for today. - Bye.
- No. - No!
Please keep your willy in your trousers.
Kids are fun.
Yeah…
Yeah, I'm ready. I just need a shower.
No stress, but we have to get it done.
Yeah. I'll just…
- I'm ready. - Great. We're on the same page.
My name is Roger, and you are watching my YouTube channel, "Work is Fun".
On this channel, I will help you with job applications, your CV…
Holy fuck!
Fuck!
Shit!
No!
- Hi. - Hi.
- Go to the car. - It'll be okay, Lilli. See you soon.
- Yeah, it'll be okay. - Yeah.
Get in and I'll go and get Teddy.
- Her temperature is high, so… - Lilli will be staying with me a while.
- But the toilet was broken. - What did you say when you moved out?
"I want to be the main character in my own life"
How's that working out for you?
Look at those details. It's insane.
Oh God, they look so similar.
Come on, just a bit more.
Damn.
Who is it?
Guess.
- Hi. - Hi.
Why did you wait six months before calling a plumber?
Not everybody has an emergency savings account.
It's quite easy. You just put aside a percentage of your salary every month.
How much do you earn?
- You don't earn anything? - No.
- So you don't… You don't get paid? - No.
Joachim is very happy about the situation. He wants Lilli full time.
Okay, I'm off to bed. I've made up the spare bed.
- Yeah. - Goodnight.
- I'm coming. - Now? You're going?
Yeah, I am. My body battery is low. I need to recuperate and train tomorrow.
- But I'll help you with your bathroom. - What if Joachim is right?
That Lilli should stay with them full time?
No, that's just nonsense.
They have a garden she loves to play in. She loves being outside, and…
Don't worry about that. The garden isn't what's important to Lilli.
The most important thing for Lilli is that you're there for her. She's not…
Do you have any gossip?
- Gossip? - Yeah, some news or something.
Yeah. Anders and Thea are getting divorced.
Thea's going to start a diving school in Thailand, but he can't be in the sun.
- He's… He's an albino, right? - Yes, he's albino. It's easy to see.
He's just like, "Is it raining today?"
"No, it's sunny."
Another crime novel?
- Is it a good book? - Gjermund…
She'll never sort out her own mess if you do it for her every time.
Yeah.
She may have had a kid at 20, but she's not your responsibility.
You…
You do everything for her. You wrap her in cotton wool.
No, I don't.
It's great that you love your sister, but this situation is not your fault.
It wasn't easy growing up alone with Mum.
No, but should you have stayed at home with your mum
and been a back-up dad for a five-year-old instead of going to college?
- She's an adult now. - Yes, you're right.
- She has to fend for herself. - You're right. You're right.
You awake?
Sorry, my shirt is creased. I have to steam it.
Okay, I see.
- I can pay you back if it's… - Yeah.
- Wonderful. - It was nice.
Gjermund.
She downed the Barolo.
I'm not even angry. I'm just impressed.
I'll talk to her.
Good luck.
- Oh, there it is. - Hi.
Is she really mad?
Well, it is a good choice. It's a Barolo from 1986.
It's worth about… 10,000 kroner.
You have wine that costs that much at home?
- Emilie… - I'm sorry. I didn't know.
We have to talk. This isn't working.
- Okay. - Do you have a plan?
Well, yes.
I thought I'd stay here for a while, think things through, and… Yeah.
I can't keep wrapping you in cotton wool. You're not doing anything.
- I can do things and be responsible. - Like what?
- Take the bins out, make the bed. - No. What…
Are you a complete loser? You think like a loser.
You have the mindset of a loser. You have to start thinking like a winner.
- Did you see that on Instagram or is it… - I mean it!
Okay, so I should be a winner.
- Like you? - Yes, for example.
- It's about structuring your life. - How do I do that?
- You clearly know everything. - I don't fucking know.
Me, for example, I'm training for the Birken.
It's great that you're skiing. It's original, you and all men over 40…
Yeah, it might not be that original, but it's about setting a goal
and reaching that goal.
- Try it. - Try the Birken?
No, not the Birken. Setting yourself a goal.
Actually, that's a…
That's a good idea, that you…
Why not?
You should do the Birken. It's a great idea.
- Are you joking? - It's great.
It's an ambitious goal for you.
Loads of people become the best version of themselves
by aiming for extreme goals.
Have you ever thought, "Maybe this is the best version of Emilie"?
Yes, unfortunately, yes…
But there's hope.
My hope is that, if nothing else, if you can't reach that goal,
you'll develop self-respect, drive, determination.
- Yeah. Thanks. - Many things come from setting a goal.
No, it's not happening.
Come on.
Then you'll have to live somewhere else.
You can call Mum.
See if her couch is free. In Halden, with Dag.
- Are you serious? - You're leaving in ten minutes.
No, you're not serious.
Birken or Halden, those are your two options.
You can borrow clothes from Silje.
- I… I can't even ski. - You'll learn.
30 DAYS UNTIL THE BIRKEN
How are you doing?
On your toes.
Don't use your arms so much. You'll get tired.
I hate you.
One kilometre took you 27 minutes. The Birken is 54 kilometres. Come on!
That's so far.
We'll break you down before building you back up. Come on.
Most importantly, pay attention to the conditions.
Check the weather and prepare. Have a look at the sky.
Just enjoy yourself and avoid making waxing mistakes.
- Okay, get up! Time to train! - I'm not feeling so good today.
Yeah, right! Come on.
You're naked. Why are you naked?
- I sleep naked. - Training starts now.
- Yeah, 67 minutes. - Really?
Isn't that good?
You were overtaken by two 80-year-olds. You can keep going for a bit.
I have to go home. Do a few more laps. Øyvind will give you a ride home.
- But I'm… - Come on, Emilie. Don't stop there.
- Yeah. - One more round, Emilie!
Get the mucus out!
Hello?
Yeah, I like the sisal wallpaper best.
Yes, me too, but will the glue work on a brick wall?
- Yeah, I understand, but… - Hi.
Hi.
We're trying to have a baby.
I'm pretty sure she understood that, Gjermund.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Well, yeah.
We don't want people to feel sorry for us if it doesn't work out, so we…
- Yeah. - We prefer to say we don't want children.
- Yes. - How long have you been trying?
Three years. This year, we've tried artificial insemination.
We're going there now, so that's why…
A lot of couples, when they finally stop trying, they…
Yeah, we've tried, and it doesn't work.
- We've listened to podcasts, all sorts. - No. Yeah. Sorry.
None of our friends know that we're trying, so if you can…
Of course.
- Yes. - Yeah.
But… maybe you could put it away before Lilli gets here.
Yes.
Hi, Lilli!
- Hi. - Hi.
- Have you started working out? - Yes, for the Birken.
Very funny.
- What's the Birken? - It's a very long ski race for athletes.
They're always training, and they're really focused.
- They're all about skiing. - And your cool mum.
- Really? - Yes. Gjermund is training me.
- Oh. Okay. - Yeah.
Maybe you two can come and cheer me on. That would be really nice.
Me and Dad? Dad, can we?
If Mum is actually doing the Birken, we really have to see it.
Go inside so you don't get cold.
- Yes. - Yes. Lilli, give me a hug first.
- Be a good girl. - I will.
- Thanks. - Now it's your turn.
- Us? - Yeah.
Yeah.
- There. - There. Go inside.
Celina will pick her up a bit early. She has a full schedule at home.
Home?
- Let's not start. - No, let's not.
- We have 15 eggs. - Okay.
And enough sperm.
We'll just have to wait to see if the boys can swim well enough.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
You should consider your options in case this doesn't work.
What do you mean?
There are many ways to start a family.
And you can live a full life without children too.
Why do you say that?
She's just trying to help us to think
of alternatives if it doesn't work.
Do you agree with her? Should we give up?
- Who wanked into a cup? - Who did the wanking?
Let's just focus on trying to create an embryo first.
Okay.
Okay, can you tell me what you're thinking?
Nothing.
Nothing? You're quiet in the car, but you're not thinking about anything?
I'm thinking maybe I'll hit the tracks before dinner.
Okay, you were thinking about training? That's what was on your mind?
- I'll drop the training. - I don't want you to drop it. I don't…
- That's what you want me to… - No, I don't.
What do you want?!
What… What do…
Wha…
Silje.
Aunt Silje?
Silje?
Do you want to braid Lilli's hair? Is it a bad time?
No, of course I can. I always want to braid Lilli's hair.
Of course. Come here.
- Do you have a scrunchie? - Yes.
Let's see. There it is. Can you put the lids on while I braid your hair?
Okay, what kind of braid would you like?
- You decide. - Okay, let's do a regular one.
How's the dancing going?
- Good. - Which move are you teaching me first?
- Kick ball change. - Kick ball change.
Can you teach me popping and locking?
Yeah, I can teach you that.
- You can? - Yes.
Yes! I've always wanted to do that.
What are you drawing?
I'm making a calendar. We learned it at school.
- It's very nice. - Thanks.
- What's that? - It's Celina's birthday.
- That's important to remember. - Yes.
And what's that?
Me and dad cheering for you at the Birken.
Really? That's so nice.
But we have to put it away and sleep.
I just need to draw one more thing.
- Just one more? - Just one more.
Okay, I get it, and you want all of these in bed?
Every single one.
Okay. Oops!
Isn't it a little rash to invite them to the Birken?
You haven't even skied five kilometres, and…
You didn't bring my skis. I said, "Bring my skis."
- Why are you so moody? - I'm not moody.
Can you help me?
I can't get this to…
- Raise your heel. - Okay.
Up. I'm telling you to raise your heel.
Fuck! That's just great.
- Hey? - Find your own way home.
- I need a break. - What's wrong?
Don't leave me here.
Gjermund!
Hello? Where's the closest bus to town?
There are no buses here. You have to get the bus from Røa.
- Is it far? - No, it's a nice trail.
Thanks! Okay, it's a nice trail.
Let's get the food on the table. I'm sure she'll be here soon.
Can't we just… Can't we just forget about all that stuff tonight?
- Yeah. - Let's just have a nice time.
- Yeah? - I agree.
- Good. - Gjermund!
- Are you completely mad? - What's up?
He left me in the middle of nowhere.
I didn't leave you.
- It's not funny, Silje. - No.
- Don't laugh. - It's not funny.
- No. - Did you… Did you ski all the way here?
I skied to Røa and got a fucking bus from there.
I skied from Sørkedalen to Røa. I'll might have long-term injuries!
That's great!
You've skied from Sørkedalen to Røa, which is about 13 kilometres.
- That's good. - Great.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi. She skied 13 kilometres today!
- Isn't that… - Not bad! Skate or classic?
- Hi. - Skiing.
- Classic. Where did you go? - Where? Um… In the woods.
- Nice to see you. - Hi.
- You must be hungry? - Yeah, that's right.
- Some wine, Emilie? - No, thanks.
- No? - Training tomorrow.
- Good. - Yes.
- Martine, would you like some wine? - Not really. Could you…
Yes.
Well, we have an announcement.
- Are you kidding? - It's very early, but…
No.
Oh my God, congratulations!
Congratulations!
- Congratulations! - We think it's a good thing.
Let's hope so.
The kids are coming thick and fast! This'll be number four.
Well, it's going to be five.
- It's twins. - Twins?
Gjermund, you guys could take one.
- No, we made that choice a long time ago. - You really don't want children?
It's so sad. The world is missing out on the best mom.
Our kids pay more attention to Silje than to us.
- Can I have more wine? - Some lettuce.
We can't have children.
Sorry, Gjermund, but I can't…
Okay, guys, we can't have children.
We've been trying for a long time. We've tried everything.
We've tried IVF. We've tried insemination.
But the fact is that we just…
Oh my God. I'm sorry.
- No, don't apologize! Don't. Please don't. - Don't apologize for having a baby.
- We are really happy for you. Really! - Of course.
- And we have an embryo in the freezer. - Yes, we have.
- There's hope. - Not in our freezer, but…
- No. - No.
Okay. That's…
- That's good. - Yeah, that's good.
Well, cheers then! A toast to… twins and…
- Embryo. - Embryo.
- Are you okay? - I think so.
- I don't know. - No.
Hello?
Really? Okay. The flat's ready. I can move back home again.
- Great! - Good.
That's awesome.
Okay. Can I move back in tomorrow?
Yeah.
- Looks great. - Yes.
Yes. I have to get to the tracks before it gets dark.
Are you joining tomorrow?
- I don't know if… - Come on!
I'll have Lilli every other week again. I really have to find a job.
Yeah, I understand. It's…
Maybe it was a bit too optimistic, this project.
Maybe it was.
Good luck finding a job and…
- Thanks. - Speak soon.
Thanks. Good luck with the Birken and the baby and…
Thanks.
Looks nice. New toilet and everything.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to sitting on it.
Yeah.
…at finn.no, there are 11,654 available jobs
in Norway.
The first thing you have to do
is enter the name of the profession you want to work in.
For example, cafeteria employee.
- Is it that bad? - No.
- No? - Right? It's… trendy.
- Yes. - I think it's modern.
But it looks a bit like your eyes have grown little moustaches
- But small ones. - Very funny.
Tell us, how's the Birken coming along?
I don't have to do it any more. I'm not staying with Gjermund.
Yeah, that's quite typical.
- What do you mean? - God, no, forget about it.
- It was nothing. - What… But what… What do you mean?
It's just like you to give up.
You like shortcuts.
Seriously, when was the last time you completed something? Anything?
I felt so good with these eyebrows,
but the only thing I can see now is two slugs that have been run over.
What have I done?
- A hundred? Correct? - No. More.
I don't have a job. I have no idea what to do with my life.
All I have is a registration for the Birken
and a daughter who wants to see me finish.
You know what? With these conditions, you need KX-35 under your skis.
Øyvind, would you mind helping her with her skis?
Sure.
- Great. - Yeah.
14 DAYS UNTIL THE BIRKEN
7 DAYS UNTIL THE BIRKEN
Mum, there's no more toilet paper!
- How many laps so far? - I've done five laps.
That's 15K. Good. Come on!
- I'm exhausted. - You can do one more lap! Dig deep!
That's it! Your power comes from your legs.
- See you next week, Lilli. - Hi, Emilie.
Hi, Celina.
- It's a nice little bump. - Yeah, point of no return.
No.
I love your laugh.
2 DAYS UNTIL THE BIRKEN
That's when it's most efficient. Push off with your poles.
Just let the pole disappear behind you.
Don't use energy to pull it back. It does that on its own.
- I've got a missed call from the doctor. - Oh, call them back.
Oh, can you…
Hello, it's Carina Larsen.
Hi, it's Gjermund Vik calling you back. You're on speaker with Silje.
I'm glad you called back.
I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Okay.
- The embryo didn't survive the thawing. - Okay.
You should spend some time thinking whether you want to take this further.
- Yes. - We can talk again next week.
- Yes, we will. We'll stay in touch. - Okay. Bye.
Okay, bye.
- I just want a child. - I know.
Okay. I guess we have to…
Let's take the weekend.
Let's talk about what we want to do now and how we move forward.
Well, I'm leaving for the Birken tomorrow.
We knew that the treatment was going ahead
and that it might not work.
What the hell? Are you a fucking robot?
But this… We've planned for this.
Hey, come…
It's very difficult to cancel at such short notice.
I'm going with Øyvind, Helge, and my sister, and…
- This is because of you. - I know that very well.
Can you show some involvement?
I'm not saying we should stop trying.
You're not the one who has to put loads of hormones…
- Shall we stop living then? - Holy fuck.
You can't stop living.
- I didn't say that! - That's exactly what you're doing!
That's all you think about. Kids, kids, kids, all the bloody time!
Are you ready to be a mum?
I think it's scary.
It's like… I'm thinking about it when I'm trying to sleep, and… it…
There's a lot of responsibility waiting for me.
Yeah. You can handle it. It comes naturally.
- You think? - Yeah.
Says the one who filled her flat with toilet water two months ago, but…
- Total control. - Yes.
Shall we go?
There's not much fog. It'll be fine.
- Yeah. - Okay?
- A short one. - Yes, a lovely little trek.
- Yes. - Did you drink some?
Come on, Lilli! You're doing great!
You can't do the Birken with that technique.
- You have to use your upper body. - I am using my upper body!
Use your upper arms and your abdominal muscles.
- Triceps. It's about… - You're not pulling with your arms.
- The power is in the legs. - You have to use your arms, Emilie.
Just make small technical adjustments.
- Use your upper body. - Out of my way! Move!
Oops! Are you okay?
- What the hell was that? - Me? It was him.
- No, it was you. - Are you five years old?
It wasn't on purpose.
You get a little criticism, and then you do that? Childish.
- A little criticism? - Yeah.
A little criticism? I've had nothing but criticism from you the last two years.
That you're destroying your life? That's not criticism. That's a fact.
- I'm not destroying my life. - Yes, you are!
It seems like you really want my life to go to hell.
You don't need my help with that.
- You're a fucking psychopath. - And you're a fucking loser.
Sorry. We didn't mean it. Dad and I promise to be friends.
Lilli?
Look at me.
Honey, I understand that you got upset,
but think how much fun it'll be on Saturday, watching Mum skiing.
I don't want to! Can you go?
- But, Lilli… - Can you go now?
- Do you want me to leave? - Yes!
Okay.
- We can't argue in front of Lilli. - No.
- We can't. - No.
We need to get a grip.
I leave tomorrow, but I'll see you after the race and…
You and I should see each other as little as possible.
Lilli should live here permanently.
And if you don't agree, we can go to mediation
and see where we stand,
if we need to take it further.
- You don't mean that. - Yes, I do.
- But, Joachim, it's… - There's nothing more to say, Emilie.
Silje?
We moved onto part two of the improv class. We had to pair up.
Then we had to say every other word.
What's completely insane is that the sentences
go in a direction that's completely crazy.
- You almost can't believe it. - It challenges your mind.
It challenges your mind in a totally different way.
It…
- Is… - A…
Long…
Box…
That…
That's impressive.
Strong delivery.
- I just couldn't make… - I thought of a shovel. Okay… But…
- It's not your fault, Helge. I… I felt… - No. I shouldn't block it.
- I shouldn't just focus on one thing. - I completely blocked you.
No, don't say that.
It's fine. I only focused on the grey box. I thought it would fit…
And I…
1 DAY UNTIL THE BIRKEN
RENA SCHOOL
We're going to the gym.
Here it is.
- Oh, this is nice. - Are you kidding? Are we sleeping here?
That's part of the package. That's how the original Birken boys slept.
Did they go from school to school a thousand years ago?
Yeah.
GOOD LUCK FROM RENA SCHOOL
Can you find somewhere else? I need to use the socket.
Huh?
For my snoring machine.
- Find another spot. There are plenty. - Okay.
- I don't want to wake people up. - No.
Sorry.
Hi. One Farris.
With ice, please.
Madeleine?
- Hi. - Hi.
- Do we know each other? - No, we don't.
But I follow your ski workouts on social media.
- Cool. Do they work? - Yes, amazingly.
- So it works? - I'm gonna break my personal best.
That's cool.
Do you have any waxing tips for tomorrow?
- No. - That you can share?
- I can't tell you that. - Oh?
I don't want you to beat me. I have to make a living.
You don't… Is this how you make a living?
- Yes. - Okay.
Hi.
Sorry, I'm bad with faces. Do we know each other?
No. No, we don't. I thought you were someone else.
Are you sure? There's something familiar about you. I just…
Well, I have a very normal face, so I think people just…
- You're the girl who peed in the park. - No.
- Good to see you.
Good to see you again.
Are there enough toilets here?
- I choose to live my own life. - Yeah.
Yeah. I don't want to follow the other sheep and have kids…
- No, no. - …buy a house with a picket fence.
- Do you understand? - Yes, I understand completely.
- What about you? - Me?
Let me guess. Three kids, Volvo, dog.
- Well, yes, I have a Volvo. - Yeah?
- So one out of three. - Well, cheers to freedom!
- Cheers to freedom. - What will you do with your freedom?
- I'm moving to the mountains. - Are you?
I'm going to climb in the summer, ski in the winter, and just live life.
- I'm gonna build a hut. - Okay.
- We're leaving. Are you coming? - I'll come a bit later. Just…
- Okay. - You go on ahead.
- Where are you staying? - At the school.
- That's hardcore Birken. - Yeah, hardcore.
We're tough guys, you know.
- Yeah? I couldn't do it. - You couldn't?
No. I have to lie in a hot tub before long races.
- Okay. - To soften up, warm up.
- Feel the joints and muscles. - Smart.
- I'm renting a cabin. - With a Jacuzzi?
Yeah, but I can't get the damn thing to work.
I've tried everything.
I'm no expert, but I have one at home. Do you know what brand it is?
Maybe you could take a look, and maybe…
Yeah, sure. I can do that.
- It's the least I can do. - Thanks.
For all the good advice you have…
Yeah?
Yeah.
Are these the only buttons?
Yes. I don't get how to turn the jets on.
See!
- The magic finger. - Yeah.
Just press the button a little longer, and it will start.
- Okay. - Okay, well, I'll…
Is it nice?
The water?
- It's warm and… - I'm just gonna change.
Okay.
- Okay, good luck in the… - No, get in the hot tub!
Yes. Okay.
Are you just a volunteer? I shouldn't have said "just".
Have you been doing it long?
Yeah, we're a group of friends who come home to do this every year.
- It's a tradition. - Okay.
What about you? What do you do apart from the Birken?
Well, I'm a bit between things.
Okay. Between things? Jobs? Boyfriends?
Well, both those things.
- Yeah. - Are you keeping your options open?
Yes, all of my options.
- Thanks for the police escort. - No worries. It's a rough area.
- Good luck tomorrow. - Thanks.
Hope you sleep well.
I'm with those two, my big brother,
and a guy with a snoring device, so it might not be possible.
Yeah, but I'll try.
You can sleep at my mom's place if you like.
We have plenty of room, and she's in the race tomorrow.
- She's sleeping now. - I should stay with my brother.
- Of course. - Yeah.
- I understand. Okay, see you tomorrow. - See you.
- Sleep well. - Yeah.
I'm the guy with the Birken vest and the snowmobile.
I'm the girl with the skis.
Okay. I'll find you.
- Massage? - Yes.
- There. - There?
- Not that hard. - No.
- We can't have sex. - No. I'm not…
It's a race. I need at least ten hours sleep.
- Yeah, that's… - Really important.
Good thinking.
Sleep here tonight.
- Yeah. - Then we'll see.
Maybe you'll get lucky tomorrow after the race.
It'll be nice.
- We're a team! - Where's Gjermund?
- I don't know. - You don't know?
No.
- Hi. - Where are you?
I found another place to sleep tonight, so…
The school was your idea, and then you just leave?
Just go to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow.
- Okay? - Gjermund.
Hello?
Hi. Hi. Can I change my mind?
- Yes. - Yeah?
- Of course. - Okay.
- Yeah.
- We have to be quiet. My mum's asleep. - Okay.
- It's that way. - Okay.
- I hope you still have those PJs. - I'm gonna put them on now.
Are you?
I couldn't find a sheet, but here's a duvet and a pillow.
- Thank you. - Okay. Sleep well.
You too.
- And, yeah, thanks. - My pleasure.
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
- Hi. - Hi.
- Are you looking for the toilet? - No, not really.
- You're not? - No.
- Hello? - I'm not here.
- But I am? - Yeah, that's fine.
I can't deal with the questions.
Come on.
- Okay. - Go.
- Hi. - Hi.
- You probably don't have any sheets. - Thank you.
I think our guests should have sheets when they stay the night.
Or what do you think, Ole Martin?
I know you're in there.
- Yeah. - Well…
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
And thanks for having me.
Okay. How proud are you of yourself right now? On a scale of one to ten.
- Not very proud. - No?
No. She can be a bit much sometimes.
I thought she was great.
My mum didn't care and just called it a free-range upbringing.
That sounds nice.
Yeah.
- 120? - I did 100 and blue.
- Hi. - Hi.
- We're going up three mountains. - We're going down them too.
Where have you been?
Let's just pack.
What's that?
Did you take your wedding ring off?
I do that before every race because it chafes.
- What are you doing? - I'm not doing anything.
What's happening? Tell me.
Silje and I shouldn't be together any more.
- Huh? - We haven't been in love for years.
It isn't… Not really.
- Madeleine makes me feel. It's… - Who the hell is Madeleine?
Madeleine is an influencer.
Oh my God!
We connected on a level I've never experienced with Silje.
How long have you known her? Like 12 hours?
It feels like ten years. We want the same things.
Okay, what is it you suddenly want?
I don't know, to move to a place like this and…
- Move to Rena? - Anywhere, really.
Run an adventure farm.
Skiing in the winter, rock climbing in the summer,
skydiving in the spring.
That's proper living, being free. I can build a hut and really live.
Do you always do this? Get this stupid before the Birken?
No, it's just become clear that I have to talk to Silje
and get a divorce.
- It's long overdue. - No, Gjermund.
You've been with Silje for 15 years.
Now you're throwing it all away for a random 25-year-old you just met.
- Get a grip! - She's 34, not 25.
- Oh, she's 34? - Yeah.
- Well, in that case, go for it. - Yeah, I will.
Why are they weighing the backpacks?
- They have to… - Emilie…
- Her… - Backpack…
It has to weigh at least 3.5 kilos.
That's how much the king's son weighed, who the Birkebeiners brought with them.
- They weigh it at the start and the end. - And you're telling me this now?
Approved.
Hey, you.
- No, that's too light. - But…
You don't know how much the king's son weighed.
- He might've been premature. - I was.
- Oh yeah? - Five weeks.
I had a lot of challenges. It's not something to joke about.
But that's… What I mean… You don't look very premature.
- How can you look premature? - Your face looks normal.
Can you give her a water bottle? We're running late.
- Approved. - Thank you.
Come on!
All right, everyone,
only five minutes to go until group two start.
Please find your group
and have something to eat before the race starts.
We see people rushing to find their group.
You're in the last group, so you go over there.
- I'm going on my own? - Yes, you're on your own.
I'll see you after.
- Hi. - Hi.
Is this space free? Move.
- Hi. - Hi.
I hope you haven't used the wrong wax.
Let's hope not.
- We have a date after this, right? - Yes, don't we?
Yeah. Just double-checking.
Yeah. Just going to beat you in the race first.
- We'll see about that. - Everybody, only 30 seconds to go.
Many people here are aiming to set a new personal best,
and they've been training all year.
Everything has been building up to this moment.
This is it, folks!
And they're off!
An ocean of skiers in full speed up Tingstadjordet
attempting to smash their personal best.
Good luck over the mountain, everyone.
Dear beautiful Silje.
I'm not very good at speeches.
But after seeing the priest perform, I thought there was hope for me too.
Getting married is a huge decision.
We've had a few rough years,
so it wasn't a given that we would be here today.
But as long as we have each other,
everything will be all right.
Yes.
We have reached group 16.
Lots of excited participants are here for the very first time.
Some have fought their way back after illness,
and others aim to get a little further than they did last year.
A well-rounded group that creates a great atmosphere along the track.
Good luck, everyone!
And there goes the last group,
those who face the biggest challenge.
Fifty-four kilometres on skis requires a nuclear power plant worth of energy.
A colourful group who are embarking on the biggest challenge of their lives.
Have a great race!
- Have a sports drink. You've earned it. - Thanks!
You're welcome.
SHUTTLE BUS
Lilli?
- Do you want some of those rolls? - I want to watch Mum.
We're not going.
But you promised.
I know, but it was a really stupid idea, okay?
It's far away. Mum just gets these crazy ideas sometimes. Okay?
It's not fair! You're so mean!
Typical Emilie. She gets a crazy idea,
and then everyone else has to be there to catch her when she falls.
Like the calligraphy course, she wanted to switch weeks, but she quit.
Listen, Joachim.
I think you need to shut up.
- You talk about Emilie all the time. - That's not true.
You say she has to move on.
- I'm saying that she needs to sort her-- - Let me talk!
You don't go on like that if you're over a relationship.
Don't you think I can see that?
It's obvious that you can't forgive Emilie.
Stop it.
Imagine how that makes me feel. I'm carrying your child.
It hurts like hell.
And, you know, that's…
There's no room for that.
You have to put it behind you.
We're all becoming a family, and Emilie is part of that family.
You treat her like shit.
And you're hurting me, and…
and you're hurting Lilli too.
Do you think we'll get to see Mum?
Yes, of course. We just have to look. She's there. I think we'll see her.
I wonder what colour her suit is.
I don't remember.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi. Nice seeing you again.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Well…
There's 50K left, so save your energy.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
We should keep this pace.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Yeah?
Yeah.
We have two people approaching the finish line.
Number 319, Mats Erlend Lindstrøm,
against number 320, Henrik Sæther.
Who's going to win this year?
Are you okay?
I've got too much lactic acid build-up. I can really feel it.
We've only done nine kilometres. There's 45 left.
True.
The first skier has crossed the finish line in Lillehammer…
Wow.
What the fuck? How is that possible? That's not possible.
We have to get going.
Are you ready?
You know what? I'm staying for a bit. I need another drink. You go ahead.
- You're not giving up? - No, I'm not giving up.
I'll see you at the finish line. Maybe I'll catch up.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Don't be so hard on yourself. I've never made it to the finish line.
- Where are you going? - We're going to see Mum!
- Drive safe. - Okay, I will.
- It'll be nice to get into the warmth. - Yeah.
WE WILL BE AT THE FINISH LINE CHEERING FOR YOU.
Hey. Driver? Hi!
Can you open it again please? I need my skis.
- Thanks. Say hi to the guy… Yeah… - Yes.
- What the hell are you doing? - Why don't you watch out?!
- Are you okay? - Idiot!
Screw him! Come on!
Hey! Hey! Keep to the right!
Make way! Move! Move, you fucking bitch!
SILJE: I'M WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
What's up?
I have to pee.
Just pee in your suit. I can't wait for you.
Make way!
- Can someone come and help you? - I've called. They're on their way.
- Okay. - Hi. What happened?
- It's my leg. I'm not quite sure. - Do you know her?
- Yeah. - Someone's coming.
- Okay. - Can you wait with her?
- Yes. - Is that okay?
Yes.
- Thanks. - Yes, thanks.
Ouch! Does it hurt?
Yes, a bit. Maybe I've… Oh, there he is.
- Hi. - Hi.
- You're here? - It seems so.
- Are you okay? - I'm fine, just a bit knackered.
From skiing.
- You look really fresh. - Do I?
Thanks. So do you.
Hello! I'm getting a bit cold over here.
- Oh God, sorry. - Yeah.
- What happened? - I don't know. I managed to slip…
- Can you support me? - Sure.
Thanks. Like that.
You have to hurry. Kvarstad is closing in 15 minutes.
- Shit! Okay. Bye. - Bye.
Oh! Good luck, Vigdis.
- Enjoy! - Thanks!
Someone has lost a red backpack. His name is John Fjæreide.
His car keys and packed lunch are in the backpack.
He would greatly appreciate it if someone found it and handed it in.
And this is it, folks. It's going to be a very exciting finish!
Number 3214, Ivar Tømmerdal,
followed by 4172, Olav Åberg.
Right behind them is Åse Nerland, and it's Ivar Tømmerdal…
- Silje! - …who wins…
- Silje! - …the race.
- Hi. - Auntie Silje.
- Hi. - Hi. It's so nice to see you guys here.
Aunt Silje. So nice to see you. Have you seen Gjermund?
He was on Midtfjellet last time I checked, so he's not that far away.
- Can you check? - Yeah, you can track them.
Okay.
- Can you see where Emilie is? - Yes. This shows Emilie on Raudfjellet.
She's done 20 kilometres, and she only has 34 kilometres left.
Okay. This is gonna be a long day, Lilli.
Hi. It's half past three, and…
Yeah.
But we're not that strict, so if you want to keep going, you can.
- I want to keep going. - Me too.
- Good luck. - Thanks.
- We're the last two. - Yeah.
- They're starting to close. - Oh shit!
Yeah. The last checkpoint is Sjusjøen.
- Okay. - The guy there's a total Nazi.
Okay.
- He stopped me last year. - Yeah?
I told him that I had emphysema, reduced lung capacity,
and that I'm 50% disabled.
- Okay. - He just said, "No, forget about it."
- How far is it? - Twelve kilometres.
Keep up with me. You might make it.
Okay, cool. Thanks. We're a little team.
No, we're not a team.
How are you? Are you okay?
I'm having trouble with an old knee injury,
so I'll have to take it easy.
Are you sure?
- Yes, you just go ahead. - We have to go if we want a PB!
Yeah.
SILJE: AT THE STADIUM. CHEERING FOR YOU!
More contestants are arriving. Congratulations.
They have struggled for 54 kilometres and are heading towards the finish line.
I'm 50% disabled, and I work for a company who have supported employment.
My brother got the job first, but I've been an apprentice.
It's called bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
but nobody knows that.
People don't care, so…
They talk about minorities. Everyone talks about minorities.
What about people who breathe through a straw all…
There's Øyvind and Helge.
- Congratulations. - Thanks.
Where is Gjermund?
We met him at Midtfjellet.
He said his knee was hurting, but he was fine.
- He's still at Midtfjellet. - Maybe he lost the chip?
No, look. He's moving.
He's not on the track. He's in the middle of the woods.
No fucking way! A new round of everything. Forms, queues, taxi bills…
- I need to pee. - Pee in your pants, or we won't make it.
- Wait for me. - We're the last ones!
I won't fail at the last checkpoint.
- But we're a team! - We're not a team!
- Hey! - Oh my God!
- Say hi to Emilie if you see her. - Yeah.
I hope she makes it to the checkpoint.
Me too.
Hey. I'm afraid you'll have to stop here. It's 5:35 pm.
- I can't. I've skied 40 kilometres. - It's for security reasons.
What the fuck are you talking about? Am I somehow a security risk?
Are you swearing at me?
It's five minutes past the cut-off.
- They were nicer at Kvarstad. - Take your skis off and go to the shuttle.
No. Stop this nonsense. Hey, it's time to stop!
I'll have to put my foot down.
Hey! Shouldn't that snow groomer have a driver?
Fuck!
Fuck! No!
Hey!
Fuck!
Hey!
Hey! I'm here!
- Hey! - Gjermund!
Silje?
What are you doing here?
What happened?
I saw your text and… I don't know.
Silje, I just…
I'm…
I can't…
keep trying to have a child.
I can't live like that.
I guess we'll just have to admit…
that life doesn't always turn out the way you want.
It did for me when I met you.
I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry. - I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Maybe we could get a dog.
One that doesn't shed too much.
I love you.
- I love you too. - Yeah.
I'm a bit cold.
Shit, my skis. I forgot my skis.
And here we have Kari Røkke, number 8435.
Last year, she fought hard, and this year…
- Is Mum coming soon? - Good question.
Now we're really coming to the end…
Look! There's one more coming.
WELCOME TO LILLEHAMMER THE FINISH LINE IS CLOSE!
Hey! Where's your backpack?
Oh no! Fuck!
Fuck!
Come on, boys. Let's help her out!
- Get it on her… - How many kilos should it be?
It's four or five kilos. Just load her up.
- Grab the beer. - What's the weight?
- Just get the whole six-pack. - She can't be disqualified!
Come on! More beers! Just fill it up!
I think that's enough.
Come on! You can do it!
Here's one more contestant. Let's cheer her on!
She's all on her own…
Look. There's Mum!
- Come on, Emilie! - Come on, Mum! Come on!
…over mountains and plains and over a thousand meters in altitude,
and now, after nearly 11 hours of blood, sweat, and tears,
she's on her way to the finish line.
This is absolutely incredible, folks.
She has crossed Norwegian mountains
and has indeed earned the right
to call herself a real Birkebeiner.
You're looking at a real fighter here, folks!
And there, in ten… ten hours and 47 minutes,
she has finally reached the finish line.
Congratulations to Emilie Lunde!
Hi. Hi.
- And that concludes the annual race. - Can you give me a hand?
- Hi. - Hi.
- Congratulations to… - Hi.
Hi.
…and to those who cheered…
- Can you help me? - Of course.
…for the last ones to reach the finish line.
- Thanks. - I'm really impressed.
You are?
- Thank you. - I'm proud of you.
Thank you. Thanks for being here.
Can you help me?
- Emilie! - Hi.
Hi.
- Congratulations! - Thanks.
Congratulations!
- I never thought I'd see this. - Never.
- Honestly, I never thought I'd see this. - Me neither.
Well done!
What's with your backpack? It's full of beer.
8 MONTHS LATER
- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas! Have a good shift.
Thanks.
Merry Christmas!
Hi!
Merry Christmas! It's Christmas Eve.
- Yes! - Yes!
- Hi. - Hi.
Do you have more toilet paper? It's run out.
Hi.
- Very happy. - Yeah?
You're so cute!
Hi.
- That one? - Yeah.
It looks amazing.
Subtitle translation by: Anya Bratberg