LIVE FROM THE INDUSTRY@TALLINN & BALTIC EVENT

Would you choose a guy with a cool car or a good heart? That’s the central question that this Estonian film raises. This satirical comedy that captures recognisable stereotypes, and the classic dynamics of a love triangle.

The story revolves around a trio: Jaagup (Mattias Nurga), Mario (Erling Eding), and Birgit (Triin B. Heidov). Their personality traits are inspired by Hippocrates’s four temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.

Laikjõe plays with a retro visual style and a distinctive colour code, which is also a storytelling device in its own right. Birgit appears in shades of pink (enthusiastic, a little bit naïve, and full of energy); Mario is shown in blue tones (cool and insecure); and Jaagup boasts warm and earthy browns (reserved and calm).

The performances are marked by youthful energy and spontaneity. The dialogues often feel raw and unpolished, a quality that lends to the film’s authenticity. The film speaks to pop culture: in the opening scene, the characters discuss the cult movie Titanic (James Cameron, 1997). They also debate whether Rose should make room for Jack at the door. A silly and cliched conversation – if a very familiar one.

The narrative unfolds with a rhythmic ease, like in a ballet. Each action prompts a subtle response. “I’m cold”,k and the young man offers his scarf. The girl gets into the car, and the boy changes the radio from a quiet, lo-fi tune to a heavy beat. Each move sets off the next, creating a domino effect. Each character gathers points along this journey. It remains to be seen whether a they are prepared to declare clear “winner”.

The cinematography boasts strong visuals, with a focus on the physicality of the actors. The camera moves are smooth and natural,. As a result, audiences feel as if they were inside the love triangle, witnessing every gesture of affection. The vintage aesthetic adds a gentle touch of otherworldliness. And a groovy soundtrack is the cherry on the cake. It left me searching for tune titles for the credits, and scrambling to write them down.

Overall, Third Wheel is a bittersweet youth comedy with some fresh and authentic flavours.

Third Wheel premiered in the PÖFF Shorts section of the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. This review was written as part of the Film Review Workshop conducted on November 10th, 2024.

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Grete Kaio is an emerging film producer. Her growing interest in film as an art form has inspired her to explore film criticism. She is currently completing her degree in Journalism and Communication at the University of Tartu. Her thesis focuses on the societal impact of Estonian film criticism.