Review of Everlasting Moments (2008) by Dave J — 03 Aug 2009

Bittersweet, beautifully acted movie set in early 20th century Sweden, about a woman with a great gift and a terrible marriage. I certainly left the cinema feeling very glad that marital relationships are viewed differently these days, although of course far too many relationships like the one seen here still exist.

Maria Heiskanen's sensitive performance as photographer and abused wife Maria makes her character's plight all the more poignant, and her triumphs more inspiring. Mikael Persbrandt also gives a great performance as the awful husband Siggi, saving the character from being just a two-dimensional bully; you can understand why he behaves as he does, even while being appalled by those actions.

The ending is perhaps a little too pretty, but the look of the film is perfect; it seems to have a lot of the sepia tones of Maria's photographs.