As a seasoned film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I find myself at a crossroads with “Stockholm Bloodbath.” It’s as if director Mikael Håfström decided to take a page from the Monty Python playbook and combine history, humor, and horror in one blood-soaked package.
In a fresh war film directed by Mikael Håfström (known for “1408”), the character perpetually filled with anger remarks, “What a lovely day for carnage.” However, the term “war epic” might not immediately resonate while watching “Stockholm Bloodbath,” given its 151-minute duration. Interestingly, this film is based on authentic events that unfolded in Scandinavia during the year 1502, as indicated by the opening title card stating, “Much of this is historically accurate.
Instead of “drama” or “thriller,” the new movie title might be more accurately described as “black comedy.” As you delve into it, your film enthusiast mind may draw comparisons with David O. Russell’s works, such as “American Hustle,” which starts with the statement, “Some of this actually happened.” Similarly, his film “Amsterdam” opens with the tagline, “A lot of this actually happened.
As a movie critic, I found myself yearning for a more gripping and impactful portrayal in the historical drama “Stockholm Bloodbath,” directed by Håfström. Unlike Russell’s films that effortlessly elicit genuine laughter, Håfström’s attempt at humor in this film felt misplaced and often disrupted the tension of the storyline. The script, co-written by Erlend Loe and Nora Landsrød, could have benefited from a darker, more somber tone given the grim subject matter and the frequent bloodshed depicted throughout the sequences.
There Will Be Blood, Not Laughs
In the film’s opening, a violent spectacle reminiscent of Zack Snyder’s style, marked by intense visual contrast and steeped in fantasy, unfolds – this is the infamous Red Wedding where Danish soldiers mercilessly slaughter the family of sisters Anne (Sophie Cookson) and Freya (Alba August). This gruesome event took place in the year 1502, a time when Sweden and Denmark were already embroiled in an ongoing conflict, which would only escalate as they vied for power, leading to even more bloodshed.
In the end, Anne and Freya make their way towards the titled city of Stockholm, driven by a desire for revenge. Here’s an interesting twist: this city is also where King Kristian II (Claes Bang) has established his presence for diplomatic purposes with Sweden. One might wonder what could possibly go awry in such a situation? Well, let me tell you, this Danish king is no ordinary character – he seems to have been inspired by the chilling, malevolent aura portrayed by director Håfström and actor Bang in their previous project, drawing comparisons with the dark-age villainy seen in the critically-acclaimed fantasy epic The Northman.
Regardless of his contentious actions, the King commands attention in every scene he’s in, a captivating presence that holds your gaze once he enters, his distinctive, boisterous voice echoing an amusing comparison to America’s upcoming president, irrespective of who you supported in the 2024 election. The multitude of other characters tend to blur together, making it challenging for the audience to follow along.
In this gripping tale, I find myself drawn to the complex web of power in Stockholm, where a treacherous duo of brothers, aligned with the King and Queen, join forces with vengeful sisters. Yet, the most captivating character to follow might just be the enigmatic spy, Hemming Gadh (Ulrich Thomsen), who maneuvers through war-torn Sweden, not merely as a duty but for survival. The intricate political power struggle escalates into intense battles and what seems like a chilling mass execution.
Speak English — in Sweden?
Regarding Håfström’s title cards, they share a vibrant style reminiscent of comic books, enhancing and mirroring the offbeat, darkly humorous essence of the movie. Although it’s based on actual events, the over-the-top presentation doesn’t quite strike the right balance, resulting in a somewhat disappointing blend of styles in the end.
The film’s humor doesn’t quite escalate to LOL levels, as the middle portion focuses on a somber, serious sequence of events detailing complex political maneuvers by both Denmark and Sweden. These intense scenes justify the hard R-rating for abundant violence and gore. Director Håfström has demonstrated his cinematic prowess with this film and prior projects, which might appeal to mainstream audiences.
In today’s cinematic landscape, there seems to be an ongoing debate about every character in the upcoming film, Stockholm Bloodbath, speaking only English. Given that the director of the successful medieval film Out of Darkness has previously mentioned this trend becoming more acceptable with time, especially following Parasite’s Academy Award wins in 2019, it might be intriguing to incorporate native languages for a touch of authenticity and immersion. However, we understand that subtitles may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who appreciate the nuances of authentic dialects, this could enhance the viewing experience. From Brainstorm Media, Stockholm Bloodbath will hit theaters and on-demand on Friday, November 8th.
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2024-11-08 06:32