Reina de corazones

Saw this at the Rotterdam film festival 2019, where it was part of the Big Screen Competition (another film got the price, alas). Despite that I usually do not like relational dramas, this one involved me due to a compelling plot, believable characters and unexpected developments. It is sad that it does not end well for everyone involved (no details, no spoilers), but I don't think that a different outcome would have been so much better. Main character Anne makes unwise choices, and has to live with the dire consequences, but it is easy for us to say from our comfy chairs.

All in all, unexpectedly for me with this kind of relational theme, I scored a maximum 5 for the audience award, for which it eventually received a very good 13th place (out of 162) with score 4.487 (out of 5).

Extremely suspenseful - second half leaves you at the edge of your seat. Main actress is incredible. Camera and editing has great feeling for scenery and timing. No cliches at all. Very subtle in portraying thoughts and emotions of the characters. Quiet moments are the most powerful. Must watch for fans of intelligent, controlled and thoughtful cinema.

The stepmother is, as someone else said, evil personified. But it comes as a shock because during the first 2/3 of the movie she is portrayed in an entirely different light: an abuse survivor who found her calling fighting for abuse victims. Although she is not without flaws, we ultimately think she is a good person; until it's revealed that not only is she a sexual predator, but a narcissist capable of unspeakable evil. A shocking turn in the film that made me literally hate this character. I've known a couple of actual sociopathic narcissists like the lead character in my life, and it's amazing how well they can manipulate people to being on their side, no matter what facts their victims lay out about the abuse inflicted by the narcissist. It's a horrifying dynamic, portrayed all too well in this film. Yes, it's a very entertaining drama thriller, like others that have come out of Scandinavia in recent years especially, but the shock and disgust factor at this character's actions cannot be understated. This one will stay with you.

You immediately get sucked into their world, and feel a part of the family and situation. It's truly an experience in its own right to watch this movie, because you feel the feelings of the characters and at times feel equally confused and frustrated. It's an emotional rollercoaster that you feel apart of.

Good Nordic psychological drama that examines parenthood current issues. The whismy title doesn't do it justice. The film is great, poignant and of tremendous relevance. Shot with great style and acting.