Cert 15
102 mins
BBFC advice: Strong language, injury detail
Scandinavian film-makers do not hold back when it comes to attacking the most difficult of subjects.
Some of the most impressive movies have included a teacher being accused of paedophilia and a detective stealing a baby from what he believed to be unsuitable parents.
Here. the magnificently named Magnus Von Horn examines the fall-out of a teenage child killer returning to his community.
Interestingly, there is scant detail of the offence so, because the lead, John (Ulrik Munther), has only served two years, it is presumed he was not jailed for murder.
John's home life is also complex. His father (Mats Blomgren) is a farmer who is bringing up both him and his younger brother and his mother is mentioned only in brief passing.
Meanwhile, his grandfather (Wieslaw Komasa) appears to be suffering from dementia and his behaviour tests all of those near to him.
Central to the plot, however, is the reaction from those at John's school when he makes the brave or arguably stupid decision to return.
The legal and political systems in Sweden may be liberal but it would appear from this and other movies that the citizens are not.
Therefore, there is a stark contrast between the uncomfortable accommodation of John by his head teacher and the anger towards him of his fellow students.
The Here After is a slow-burner with a good hour passing before the action cuts deep. However, throughout, Munther is impressively sullen as John.
Scandinavian movies have a habit of prompting unsettling thoughts days after watching. The Here After is no exception.
Reasons to watch: a smouldering performance by Ulrik Munther
Reasons to avoid: meanders along quite slowly
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Star tweet
Krakow Film Festival Our multiple winner Magnus von Horn has won last night awards for best screenplay & director at Gdynia Film Festival!