Something must break

Something Must Break is an engaging Swedish film that pushes societal norms rippling through the spheres of identity, desire, and self-expression. Premiering in 2014, the film stars the riveting talents of Saga Becker, Iggy Malmborg, and Shima Niavarani, cleverly navigating through the complex narrative crafted by director Ester Martin Bergsmark. As the plot unfolds, the film exposes the delicate nature of human identities and relationships, creating a visually pleasing montage of raw emotions, shattering illusions, and the intoxicating exploration of one's inner self.

The film introduces us to Sebastian, brilliantly depicted by Saga Becker, a young adult drawn towards the margins of societal acceptance due to his gender non-conformity. Sebastian, who prefers the name Ellie, grapples with living inside a body that doesn't manifest his inner reality. His character arc taps into the profound struggles of a transgender individual trapped between two worlds, both real yet dauntingly elusive. Of course, the commendable performance of Becker breathes life into this character, punctuating his tumultuous ride of self-discovery with empathetic hues.

And then we meet Andreas, embodied deftly by Iggy Malmborg. Unlike Sebastian/Ellie, Andreas is confidently nestled within his heterosexuality. Yet, his journey is just as complex, with his tightly held worldviews facing constant challenge when he gets tangled with Sebastian/Ellie. Their ventures into the realms of attraction, intimacy, and companionship test the boundaries of traditional gender roles, revealing what ties human hearts together beyond the binary lens.

Shima Niavarani’s character brings another layer of depth to this tapestry of emotions, highlighting the challenges one often encounters due to societal expectations and norms. Her portrayal adds to the dynamic presentation of diverse characters who lead unconventional lives, yet exhibit shared human experiences.

Something Must Break teeters between harsh reality and poetic fantasy, creating a fusion of contrasting landscapes that symbolize the nuances shaping the characters' lives. The core narrative, while exuding a sense of gritty reality, also flirts with dreamlike sequences where the protagonists' emotions are visualized. These flights of fancy often highlight the innermost desires and fears of Sebastian/Ellie, contributing to the fluid cinematic style that is a trademark of director Bergsmark.

Though the film touches upon a significant social issue, it neither attempts to overly simplify nor overdramatize its subject matter. Instead, it throws light on the ordinary, everyday experiences, underlining the struggles with societal acceptance and self-acceptance that the protagonists face.

The film boasts not only a thought-provoking plot but also a refined cinematography that captures the essence of self-exploration and complexity of human relationships. The visuals do not shy away from invoking discomfort aimed at prompting introspection among the audience. The raw, uncompromising portrayal of the characters’ lives adds authenticity to the narrative, freeing it from predictable clichés and stereotypes.

The soundtrack is another vital element of Something Must Break, with the sonic layers coiling around the narrative, shadowing, and echoing the characters' emotional trajectories. It beautifully punctuates the visual narrative, rhythmically accompanying the cast, setting, and plot, ensuring the film resonates on multiple sensory levels.

Becker, Malmborg, and Niavarani inhabit their characters with unnerving sincerity, their performances mirroring the disquiet within their celluloid personas. Each actor brings their unique acting prowess to the table, ensuring the characters are not diluted in the sweeping narrative of identity, bravery, lust, and love.

All in all, Something Must Break offers more than just a cinematic experience; it invites viewers on a journey of introspection. It pushes boundaries and poses questions instead of offering easy answers, capturing the often untold stories of people living on the fringe, testing the strength of love, and defying societal norms. The movie is bound to leave a lasting impression on audiences who resonate with the struggle for individuality and acceptance. At its heart, the film is a beautiful rendition of love, desire, and the yearning to break free from conventional societal molds, making Something Must Break a compelling watch.