Tribeca 2021: A-ha the Movie Review

This will be one of several reviews from this year’s Tribeca film Festival. To follow our coverage, click here.

A-ha the Movie is a documentary showcasing the lives and careers of the Norwegian synth-pop trio as they rose to fame in the 80s and fought to keep hold of it through the following decades. Theirs is a group not built on friendship but music and its creation, which despite the swelling egos within the band always comes first. It’s an interesting perspective on personalities that recognize talent within themselves but more importantly within one another and from that mutual respect creative avenues collide to create some of the most popular music across the world.

Their story is similar to that of many other bands of similar fame and A-ha the Movie does not stray too far from the formula that works in allowing the members to tell their story from their point of view. This enhances the dramatic tension between the members while also highlighting the victories as the trio managed to write one of the most popular singles of all time with “Take on Me.” A-ha’s rise, split, and reunification are all fairly in line with previous documentaries of other bands but what makes their split(s) so interesting is that it is never predicated by their growing hatred of one another but instead a culmination of alpha male syndrome within the recording studio to the extent where each member realizes that time away from each other is imperative. This leads to the band’s split and reformation several times in the past two decades but as they return each falls back into a familiar and creatively empowering place that is unparalleled to any success experienced with solo careers.

No matter what their current status, the generational influence of A-ha is easily recognized and often celebrated as A-ha the Movie focuses on the band’s more recent years. Their longevity and legacy in a business that is effective in syphoning creative success from those with dreams of stardom is a testament to the many bands that have achieved similar fame and been unable to hold onto it. As the documentary highlights their interesting personalities and collaborative genius it never shies away from their contentious workstyle. This authenticity is straightforward and unapologetic as it, along with the band, are confident in its product because above all else the only thing that truly matters is the music.

For A-ha, the how is irrelevant. What truly matters is that they arrive there and for a band that has written one of the most iconic songs in history the belief that their best song is still out there waiting to be written continues to drive them towards a common goal.

still courtesy of Tribeca

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