Mattias Stuorbma, Elsa’s brother, struggles to deal with the reindeer killings in the region. In Stolen, Lars-Ánte Wasara plays Mattias.
As the eldest son of his father, Mattias will one day take over the responsibility of his father’s reindeer herd.
However, climate change and poaching pose threats to reindeer herding, which is vital for the community’s livelihood.
There are laws in place to prevent humans from disturbing the reindeer, but these laws only serve to increase resentment toward the Sámi, who already face discrimination.
A man named Robert turns to brutally slaughtering the reindeer, an act that deeply affects Mattias.
Increasing hardships and helplessness
The threat to the reindeer is also a threat to the future of the Sámi. Reindeer are not only important for their livelihood but also constitute an intrinsic part of their culture.
As the future looks bleak, Mattias considers leaving. He often wishes to be free like his friend, Lasse, not realizing that Lasse is anything but free.
Mattias has everything that Lasse does not, but Mattias fails to appreciate that due to the hate crimes against the community manifesting in the form of reindeer slaughter.
Furthermore, the police repeatedly fail the community, and the community’s elders refuse to change their passive stance.
The only person who speaks out for what is right is Mattias’ sister, Elsa, who is punished by the community for doing that.
At a time like this, Mattias is the only person who supports Elsa and defends her when the community elders condemn her actions.
As the slaughter and torture of the reindeer continue, with no action from the police or the community, Mattias grows angry and depressed.
Mattias does not seek the help that he needs. To make matters worse, Lasse takes his own life, making Mattias’ struggles worse.
Everything reaches a breaking point when Mattias witnesses Robert breaking the law that prohibits the use of snowmobiles, which disturb the reindeer.
When Mattias confronts Robert and his partner, a fight ensues, with Mattias pulling out his gun, but Robert outwits Mattias.
Robert manages to injure Mattias with the gun, leading to Mattias’ anger and helplessness growing beyond control.
As a result, Mattias contemplates taking his own life. However, just as he is about to do so, he sees Robert chasing his sister and decides to intervene.
Mattias witnesses Robert’s death and convinces Elsa to report it. Mattias does not attempt to harm himself after that and apologizes to Elsa.
Even after the slaughter ends, Mattias continues to struggle, unable to bear seeing the reindeer in pain, even if it is not caused by humans.
Elsa suggests that Mattias see a psychologist, and he finally seeks help, leaving the herd in his father and sister’s care while he is away.