Hem ljuva hem

I was fascinated by the prologue which likened people to the stars and planets racing away from each other since the day of creation. But there was little time to dwell on this. In a moment or two I was caught up in an ugly family argument (over a simple maths problem) an enraged father beating up his wife and son in an unrelenting mood of madness. I felt the pangs of frustration that the wife was suffering and her final desire to end it all. After all, this violence had been going on for three years.

It is not easy to call for help and tell all the world about your personal problems and fearing even more reprisals. I felt her dilemma deeply.

Then her son, young as he is, tries to help his mother in his own way. It is clear to him that his deranged father is driving his mother to her grave.

See the film and be surprised at the positive steps the young boy takes, but then be even more astonished about what happens afterwards. Mother and son share an almost unbearable guilt-ridden secret.

This is an intensely gripping and haunting film from Sweden. Watch it and be grateful knowing your own home is a harmonious one.