Dronningen

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.

Heavy tension. Perfectly acted. It left me in a intense state of anguish. Watch it because it's a good movie, perhaps a bit too long.

Growing old or up is not something that will be the same for everyone. Also if you marry someone, you may find yourself realizing that you are not entirely fulfilled. Whatever you need to satisfy your need - the question is, how far can you go in making sure you get what you want? Or pursue happiness - it does not always include your partner.

There are quite a lot of questions this movie does raise (more for the viewer to find, but also some very obvious ones). Cheating can have many forms! But even in the most known one, you can cross a line that is ... well let's say hard to forgive if found out. The movie paints realistic relationships, has strong sex (as the censors would say I reckon) and very good performances by the actors. It doesn't even feel too long - everything makes sense and it has an ending that I feel most will understand and love (whatever that may mean for each individually)

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).

"Queen of Hearts" brings you front and center to witness firsthand the maneuverings and manipulations of a feral and ferocious female narcissist. You will gasp and cringe in your seat at the lengths to which the main actress, Trine Dyrholm, goes to hide her misdeeds. This is neither the first nor the last film that showcases a full-blooded narcissist, and narcissists are predictable, but it differs by delivering a stunning in-depth insight into the volcanic and corrupted mechanizations of the narcissistic mind. Sooner or later we all meet a certain Queen or King of Hearts. They walk among us looking and acting deceptively normal. Behind the normal façade is a web of cunning lies and deceptive ploys with one goal in mind: to always and forever be the Queen or the King regardless the cost. If you are open minded this film will give you subtle tips on how to avoid or recognize this kind of behavior and make you reflect on whether you have narcissistic traits yourself. Trine Dyrholm plays the part with such fierce conviction that it sends chills down your spine. This she-devil deserves an Oscar for her performance.