Simple Simon

Simple Simon is a Swedish film that captivates viewers with its quirky humor, profound themes, and unfiltered exploration of human connections, especially within family circles. Directed by Andreas Ohman, the film takes the audience on an unexpected journey that blends high-quality drama with comedy. It is based on a book with the same title by Fredrik Ståhl and is known as "I rymden finns inga känslor" in Swedish.

The film stars a quite talented young actor Bill Skarsgård as Simon, an 18-year-old young adult who is blessed with high intelligence but also burdened by his diagnosed Asperger's syndrome. Simon's world is established on order and routine, where deviations are not welcomed. Due to his inability to process emotions like most other people, he finds comfort in the predictable patterns that his unsurprising routines provide.

The characters around Simon - his doting elder brother Sam (Martin Wallström) and Sam's argumentative girlfriend, Frida (Cecilia Forss) - introduce chaos that disrupts Simon's otherwise routine-oriented life. When Frida leaves Sam, it's a cataclysm of change that shatters Simon's routine, grinding his carefully crafted universe to a halt.

In an attempt to restore balance, Simon embarks on an adventure to find a new girlfriend for Sam. His methodical approach to life blends perfectly with his innocent intensity as he sets about finding a woman who meets his precise and practical requirements. This mission introduces a plethora of interesting, quirky characters into Simon's life whose interactions lend the film both humor and depth.

A significant highlight of the film is how it educates its audience about Asperger’s syndrome without delving into melodrama. Instead, it adopts a lighter tone, keeping the story engaging with its punchy dialogue, slices of visual humor, and stark contrasts in personalities.

However, it doesn’t shy away from capturing the more realistic, harsher moments about what it’s like to live with a mental condition and cohabitate with someone who has one. The film strikes a balance between these two aspects, masterfully intertwining the raw reality of Asperger’s syndrome with uplifting elements to provide a fleshed-out perspective on the condition.

Aside from its sensitive portrayal of mental health, Simple Simon is also a story about relationships, showcasing different forms of love whether it be familial, romantic or platonic. The film captures the complexity of interpersonal dynamics, painting a realistic depiction of the nuances and hiccups within human relationships.

From the technical perspective, Simple Simon boasts a vibrant visual palette with particularly strong cinematography. The film's imaginative visual cues, such as Simon's penchant for outer space, mirror the young man's inner world, giving the audience a tangible feel for his perspective. The music score complements the tone and vibe of the film, adding an extra layer to the cinematic experience.

Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Simon deserves special mention; he skillfully portrays Simon's character with a curious blend of detachment, innocence, and focus. His performance "humanizes" Simon, smashing stereotypes about individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and paving the road for empathy.

In conclusion, Simple Simon is a well-crafted film that tackles weighty themes with a touch of humor, compassion, and authenticity. It doesn't just create a connection between the audience and the characters, but also fosters a better understanding about people who view everyday life differently. It’s fun yet insightful, deep yet amusing, and deeply captures the fragility and strength of human emotions and relations. Whether you’re a fan of indie films, eccentric characters, or just love a good story, Simple Simon is worth the watch.