Saw The Celebration (1998), one of the first films of the dogme 95 movement. Since is it a dogme film, it's intentionally under-lit, under-mick-ed, and generally feels like a very well-made indie film. The plot follows a family reunion happening at a hotel owned by the family patriarch. Alas, some unfortunate truth bombs are dropped about the recent suicide of the patriarch's daughter (it's exactly what you're thinking. Spoiler alert: rape and incest)
The plot is entirely involved with the family. It feels like a modern-day court drama, with a fabulous mansion and servants and cooks and an aging king at the top of it all, a scandal souring his twilight years. Similarly there are sons and daughters jockeying for succession and the servants take sides, adding an above-stairs-below-stairs element. It's very clever and economical: producing a lot with very little.
The film is difficult however. There are comical elements which have lead some reviewers to believe this to be a black comedy, but these jokes are comic relief and the central scandal, although very over-the-top, is taken very seriously. The family and social dynamics are uncomfortable to say the least and we dwell on them a long time. There is a moment, near the end, when the main characters are dancing and laughing and a fade-out seems immanent, but the drama lingers on, spoiling even this well-deserved respite.
The film is not as grueling as some of Lars Von Trier's work, say, or Michael Haneke, but Von Trier was the founder of the Dogma 95 movement and his influence can certainly be felt. The film has an un-flinching quality about it that feels punishing. That said, it has a relatively happy ending, and is generally nice and dramatic. I wouldn't recommend it whole-heartedly, but it's not bad if you're interested.
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