The Quake (2018)

The Quake (Skjelvet, 2018) is a Norwegian disaster thriller that serves as a sequel to the 2015 film The Wave. While both films follow a similar survival-based structure, The Quake sets itself apart by focusing on psychological trauma, family, and the terrifying unpredictability of nature.

The story takes place three years after the events of The Wave, which saw geologist Kristian Eikjord (played by Kristoffer Joner) save his family from a catastrophic tsunami. Now, he lives in emotional isolation, plagued by guilt and PTSD, estranged from his wife and children. When he learns that a former colleague who had been investigating seismic activity in Oslo has died under mysterious circumstances, Kristian begins to suspect that a massive earthquake may be imminent—right beneath the city.

Unlike typical Hollywood disaster films, The Quake builds slowly, layering tension through realism and character development rather than spectacle. Kristian’s warnings are dismissed by authorities, and the film subtly critiques how modern society often ignores scientific expertise until it’s too late. When the inevitable earthquake strikes, it’s a terrifying, visceral sequence that uses practical effects, excellent sound design, and shaky camera work to pull the viewer into the chaos.

What elevates The Quake is its emotional core. Kristian is not a typical action hero; he’s broken, vulnerable, and desperate to protect his family while battling his own psychological scars. Kristoffer Joner delivers a strong, grounded performance that makes the stakes feel personal and believable. His character arc—from detached survivor to protective father—gives the film emotional resonance beyond the destruction.

Visually, the film impresses with high production values, especially for a Norwegian production. The earthquake sequence is intense and realistic, using minimal CGI to enhance practical stunts. The destruction of Oslo is both thrilling and horrifying, made more impactful by the film’s grounded tone.

In the end, The Quake is more than just a disaster movie—it’s a story about warning signs ignored, the fragility of human life, and the enduring strength of family. It reminds us that nature doesn't discriminate, and when it strikes, our only hope lies in preparation, resilience, and connection.

For fans of intelligent thrillers and realistic disaster films, The Quake is a standout—thoughtful, gripping, and emotionally charged.