Emilie’s struggle to prove herself to her family is deeply connected to her feelings of self-worth and the way she is perceived by those around her. Throughout The Wrong Track, it is clear that she has faced setbacks in life, and the people closest to her have come to see her as someone who never quite follows through. Whether it’s her past relationship with her ex-husband Joachim or the doubts her daughter Lilli expresses about her ability to complete the race, Emilie is constantly confronted with the idea that she is unreliable. This perception weighs heavily on her, and taking on the grueling Birkebeiner ski race becomes her way of proving otherwise—not just to her family, but to herself.
From the very beginning, Emilie is not taken seriously. Her decision to enter the race is met with skepticism, especially from her family, who seem to believe she lacks the discipline and perseverance needed to finish such a physically demanding challenge. Their doubt is not entirely unfounded, as it is implied that Emilie has struggled with commitment in various aspects of her life. However, their lack of faith in her is precisely what fuels her determination. She wants to show them that she is capable of pushing through obstacles, even when things get tough.
As the race progresses, it becomes clear that Emilie is out of her depth. The Birkebeiner ski race is not an easy feat, and her lack of preparation makes it an uphill battle. She faces exhaustion, physical pain, and moments of self-doubt that could easily make her quit. However, each time she considers giving up, she remembers the way her family looked at her before the race—the doubt in their eyes, the unspoken belief that she would fail. That thought keeps her going, even when every muscle in her body is telling her to stop.
Her determination, however, is not just about proving them wrong. On a deeper level, Emilie wants to feel proud of herself. She has spent so much time being seen as someone who doesn’t finish what she starts that she has begun to believe it herself. The race is not just about completing a challenge—it is about reclaiming a sense of confidence that she has lost over the years. She needs to know that she can do something difficult and see it through to the end, no matter how painful or exhausting it may be.
One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Emilie, against all odds, crosses the finish line after nearly 11 hours. By this point, she has been pushed to her absolute limit, and she might not have made it without the kindness of fellow racers who helped her meet the backpack weight requirement by stuffing it with beer. This moment is not just about completing the race—it is about the unexpected support she receives along the way. It is a reminder that proving oneself is not always about doing things alone. Sometimes, it is about showing resilience and being open to help when it is needed.
When her family sees her finish, their perception of her begins to shift. The woman they doubted, the woman they assumed would fail, has done something extraordinary. Lilli, who had been skeptical of her mother’s decision to race, is finally able to see her in a new light. It is a powerful moment, not just because Emilie has succeeded, but because she has shown them—and herself—that she is stronger than they ever gave her credit for.
The film ends with an epilogue set months later, showing Emilie as a changed person. The race was not just about proving something to her family; it was about discovering her own strength. By pushing herself to the limit, she has gained a sense of purpose and self-belief that had been missing in her life. Even if her family’s doubts had initially fueled her determination, in the end, the most important thing she gained was the realization that she is capable of so much more than she ever thought possible.