Incident by a Bank 2010
Ruben Östlund's *Incident by a Bank* (2010) turns a real-life 2006 Stockholm bank heist into a cinematic spectacle of controlled chaos.
Director: Ruben Östlund
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Incident by a Bank (2010) about?
*Incident by a Bank* reenacts a real 2006 Stockholm bank robbery attempt, staging it in a single, uninterrupted take. The film strips the crime down to its human elements—every stumble, hesitation, and misstep feels painfully real. It's less about the heist itself and more about the absurdity and inevitability of failure.
Who directed Incident by a Bank?
Ruben Östlund, the acclaimed Swedish director behind *Force Majeure* and *The Square*, helmed this short film. Known for his sharp social satires, Östlund brings his signature observational style to this real-life crime scenario.
Who stars in Incident by a Bank?
The cast includes Lars Melin, Henrik Vikman, Bahador Foladi, Ramtin Parvaneh, and Leif Edlund, among others, portraying the robbers and bystanders in this meticulously staged short.
Is Incident by a Bank (2010) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate cinematic innovation and social commentary. While brief, the film's single-take execution and Östlund's direction make it a standout in the crime-drama genre. Its IMDb-unrated status might give pause, but its craft and tension make it compelling viewing for fans of short films and heist stories.
How long is Incident by a Bank?
*Incident by a Bank* runs for 12 minutes.
About Incident by a Bank (2010) — A Failed Robbery Captured in One Unbroken Shot
Ruben Östlund's *Incident by a Bank* (2010) turns a real-life 2006 Stockholm bank heist into a cinematic spectacle of controlled chaos. Filmed in a single, hypnotic take, the 12-minute short unfolds with the precision of a stage play, as over 90 extras choreograph the meticulous dance of a failed robbery. The atmosphere crackles with tension, but Östlund's sharp eye for human behavior—mixing panic, incompetence, and fleeting moments of absurdity—keeps the tone darkly humorous. What could have been a straightforward crime drama becomes a study of societal expectations clashing with reality, all wrapped in a visually arresting minimalist approach.
The film's brilliance lies in its authenticity and restraint. Östlund, known for his incisive social commentary (*Force Majeure*, *The Square*), strips the heist down to its raw mechanics, exposing the fragility of even the most carefully planned crimes. The camera's steady gaze transforms mundane moments—like a nervous bystander or a fumbling robber—into unforgettable vignettes. With a runtime that barely gives viewers time to breathe, *Incident by a Bank* leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the most gripping stories aren't about spectacle, but precision.