Patrik 1,5

In a suburb in Sweden, the gay Dr. Göran (Gustaf Skarsgård) and his "husband", the executive Sven (Torkel Petersson) receive a letter informing that they will finally adopt an orphan – Patrik 1,5. They understand that Patrik is a one and half year-old baby and they prepare a room for the baby. However, there is a typo and Patrick (Tom Ljungman) is actually a fifteen year-old homophobic teenager with criminal record.

The gay couple assumes that there is a mistake, but it is Friday afternoon and they need to wait until Monday to contact the Social Service. Along the weekend, Sven has friction with the adolescent, but Göran befriends Patrik, who is an experienced gardener. Göran and Sven have an argument about Patrik and Sven leaves Göran.

When Göran learns that Patrik has been rejected by families for ten years, he decides to adopt Patrik. But now he is alone and the process of adoption is no longer valid and he needs to prepare a new application.

I am not a fan of films with the theme "gay couple", but Patrik 1.5 is a pleasant surprise. The story is funny, dramatic and romantic and the trio Gustaf Skarsgård, Torkel Petersson and Tom Ljungman is charismatic and shows a great chemistry. The director and writer Ella Lemhagen is very sensitive and never overexploits the gay relationship of Göran and Sven.

The prejudice of the neighbors of Göran and Sven is impressive considering the image of freedom in sex that the Swedish people have in my country. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Patrik 1.5"

This is a lovely, gentle, intelligent and totally believable movie that explores so many different themes through the simple premise of a gay couple wanting to adopt a child and not getting exactly what they had expected. While the ending may be predictable - and completely satisfying! - it is the getting there that makes this movie so good. The movie explores homophobia, social expectations, delinquency, relationship dysfunction and more and does so in a way that is not preachy or overly emotional or sensationalised. It is all low-key and completely believable. This is combined with great acting, truly likeable main characters and an engaging story and makes for a wonderful movie.

I found this film to be a very satisfying experience, but then again, much of Swedish cinema has this effect upon me.

This is not so much a story about a gay couple attempting to adopt a baby boy (and being sent a surly, delinquent 15-year-old) as it is about family, relationships, fitting in, making compromises, and ultimately discovering that what you have may just be what you need.

Most of the movie takes place in a 'nice' suburban street, a kind of Stepford-meets-Pleasantville. Residents spend their spare time in the garden, socialising with others in the street, and being nice to one another. Enter a gay couple who are in the process of adopting a child. Not only does the neighbourhood have to adjust, but so do the couple themselves, and eventually the 'child' they adopt.

Gustaf Skarsgard carries this film almost single-handed. His character - Goran - is subtle, charming, patient and caring. He is the one who eventually forms a meaningful relationship with the 'son' who turns up at their door - wonderfully played by Tom Ljungman, who will be someone to keep an eye on in the future. It's hard to believe he was only 16 at the time of filming, as he creates a character in 3 dimensions.

I like people-movies, and this is definitely a people movie. It is not complicated or terribly deep, but it held my attention fully, and I was sorry when it ended.

Just one more comment........... There is a blue car which speeds down the street, and kids and dogs have to jump out of its way. This happens about 2-3 times throughout the course of the film, and is never explained. It reminded me of the motor cycle which sped through the town in 'Local Hero'; rather a nice touch, although not original.

9 stars.

I loved it! The background of the film was a mix between that of Pushing Up Daises and August Rush, the plot was deep and current, and the characters made me laugh and cry. Patrik was an @$$ in the beginning but slowly softened up and so did Sven. And Göran was kind hearted and real. I loved how they evolved over span of the film and how their actions said more then the words they sad. Anyone straight, gay, bi, or lesbian should see this. I laughed out loud at the retort of Göran and Patrik, and cried at the moments od Patrik's baby pics and the separation of Sven and Göran. I wish that all people had the opportunity to watch this because it would open their eyes to problems that still go on today, and soften hearts.

A Swedish gay couple want to adopt a son. They want a baby who is around 1 year old. Through a misprint in their request (they put 1.5) they get a 15 year old boy. He's been in numerous foster families, has a history of violence and is a vicious homophobe to boot!

You can probably figure out the rest of the story--there are no real surprises here. Still, it was well-acted by all, had an intelligent script and never got too maudlin or syrupy. This movie could have tried to milk the audiences sympathies but it didn't. Everything is done in a matter of fact and low-key way. The only puzzling thing is that we see examples of homophobia that the couple face...and then that's dropped completely. What was the point of showing it then? Still this is a well-done movie showing gay adoption in a positive light. I saw it at the Provincetown Film Festival and the audience loved it! I give it a 7.