vindstilla Reviews

Keep Breathing (2022)

Dreamlike story about overcoming severe obstacles

[6/10 · 28 August 2022]

Somehow I got stuck watching it. The main storyline is pretty straight forward, but there are surely some unexpected events along the line. I admit I wasnt sure of the ending until the very last second. The "surviving" in the forest is of course no documentary. I've watched my fair share of survival shows, especially Alone, and as such this would have been completely ridiculous. When you choose to look at her outer journey as a metaphore of her inner journey there were actually some beauty to be found, in the scenery, the emotions and the symbolism. It is slow paced, and I may have fast forwarded a couple of flash backs, but I dont mind the concept of several parallel stories in time. Information is being left out and plotlines abandoned, as they turn unimportant in relation to the main quest, and we're being led on through her both nightmarish and dreamlike journey.

The White Lotus (2021–2025)

Amazingly awkward and smart

[8/10 · 26 January 2022]

This is a little gem of a series, shining treacherously in the tropical sea. The acting is brilliant from the whole cast with great timing, the writing spot on, and the social awkwardness above and beyond anything else - but somehow yet not too tasteless. The carachters are just great, the priviliged and self absorbed versus the selfless martyrs, trying to hold it all together. We loooved to watch their little holiday slowly crumble into pieces, and especially we loved the hotel manager. If Basil in Fawlty towers ever had a brother, I think he worked at the white lotus resort. By the way, the music is very unusual and smart and fits perfectly to highlight the primitive instincts of hate, fear, lust, envy and the occational happiness that emerges during this special trip.

After Life (2019–2022)

Cry fest in dark but hopeful drama comedy

[9/10 · 15 January 2022]

Season 3 I cried so much my face got all wet. This is a very touching series, and after you watch it you want to make sure to tell everyone close to you how much you love them. The contrast between a pretty dark and dirty humour and the portrait of a grieving man is working very well, and the odd characters around the main is given enough room for one to connect and care. Also love the brittish small town setting. However this series is not carried by its scenery, it is all about emotion, conveyed in a very skillful and convincing way.

The Good Doctor (2017–2024)

If dr House had been born on the spectrum

[8/10 · 21 October 2021]

I've watched three seasons this far and I sure like it. It's bingeworthy and easily digested inspite of all the gruesome chirurgical scenes. I was a fan of House MD and this series is pretty similar in many ways, although perhaps not to the same high standard. The plot and the medical mysteries are of course over the top and not very realistic. I don't find the autistic acting very convincing, and the many romantic relationships between hospital staff mostly fail to evoke my emotions, inspite of usually being a big weeper when it comes to drama series. BUT beyond these flaws, i found the series entertaining and captivating and i wouldn't mind watching another season. Would love it if they cut back a bit on action and focused more on character growth, though.

The Gift (2019–2021)

Mysterius fairytale makes sense in the end

[8/10 · 27 June 2021]

I have watched all three seasons and i'm surprised of all the critical reviews, complaining about the acting and how the story is unrealistic and doesn't make sense. I loved this series. Of course it's over the top, of course it's somewhat silly, of course the acting is overstated - but what does it matter really? It's a wonderful fairytale. Exciting, mysterious, touching, intense, dark but also shining bright. Nice fotography, nice music and I actually think the story is very original and playing around with interesting philosophical themes. Just because there are similarities to other american or european series doesnt make it less worth watching. As a bonus, turkish is a wonderful language to listen to. At the end of season three it all comes together. But yes, this series has the feel of a teen fantasy drama. If you're not into that kind of feel, perhaps find somethins else to watch and let the rest of us enjoy it.

My Christmas Inn (2018 TV Movie)

Cringeworthy afternoon snack

[5/10 · 10 November 2020]

Enough too keep you company in the background while doing something else, like laundry or crosswords... incredibly predictable but warm and cuddly. The story has the same depth and believability as a childrens tale. Acting very cheesy and unrealistic. But that's alright, it's a christmas movie afterall and i didn't mind watching it. In fact, it made me crave some hot chocolate...

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

A vintage fairytale with great ambience

[8/10 · 30 October 2020]

This is a high quality series, no doubt. After watching it I feel respectful of the creators. To me it's like a piece of art, a dark and beautiful fairytale with great ambience. The costumes, the music, the scenography, and the great actors. I love the 60's setting and the theme of a young girl excelling in a world of men. Somehow though, while the beginning was captivating and the actress portraying the young Elizabeth very acomplished, I found the middle somewhat lenghty and repetetive. I'm sure chess is exciting, but there is a Lot of playing to be watched over and over. It perhaps would have been more interesting to further explore the emotions, motives and relationships surrounding the main character. Or just cut it down a few episodes shorter. A mini series to me, as marketed by netflix, shouldn't be longer than 3-4 episodes. However, the "endgame" leaves me with chills and tearful eyes, impressed overall.

Puzzle (II) (2018)

Breaking free is beauty

[8/10 · 18 October 2020]

An understated gem of a movie. I loved the pace, the acting and the music. Even though i'm not at all a christian housewife, I found the movie relatable. It probably is to anyone who has ever held back on hopes and dreams in order to lean into the comforts and predictabilities of everyday life. It pictured in a believable way how there is no easy desicion, and the importance of running towards something and not just away.

Always a Witch (2019–2020)

Colourful teen drama

[7/10 · 11 March 2020]

Love the setting of the beautiful old city, the everlasting summer, the skimpy tops and the rum, the silly and cute acting, the predictable story, time traveling and catchy music. Perfect entertainment in the semi background a gray winter afternoon. The story telling must be right somehow and I do find the characters likable. Want to see more. Gib me season 3 right away plz? It's not the best thing ever but I could easily watch some more.

The End of the F***ing World (2017–2019)

When silence really speaks to you

[9/10 · 8 November 2019]

Loved it. Was kind of skeptical in the beginning of season one but quickly it grew on me. Season two I binged watch in one afternoon, and now I'm sad I didn't save some of it for later! I love how this show is dark without being overly creepy. I love how the dialogue is sparse and the silence really speaks to me. No grand gestures needed in the acting, which is very held back and understated in an honest but still kind of funny way. You can feel a lot of things happening under the blank and quiet surfaces of the main characters faces while the bizarre plot is developing. Great storytelling.

Marriage Story (2019)

Silence is golden, but absent in this movie

[4/10 · 7 November 2019]

I kind of hated it. Too long, too much talking and screaming and whining. My tinnitus went nuts after listening to this all evening. The scenes went on forever. I didn't feel for the characters. When they cried, I laughed. My impulse at several occasions during the film was to give them all the finger and scream shut up and shut it off, which i would have done if it hadn't been the cinema. I'm not an evil person. I cried to broke back mountain. Maybe the movie is too truthful. To watch peoples marital problems is simply annoying. Audience around me were crying (mainly old ladies) at several occations. I wanted to cry from happiness when it was over. If you love Woody Allen, watch this movie, it's the same feel. Orherwise, avoid.

Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)

A modern fairy tale

[9/10 · 27 March 2019]

Loved it! This is a sweet and silly, but sometimes serious, show that captures your heart and make you happy! It's about hard work paying off, friendship and very chaste love. If you look at the world through pastel couloured eyeglasses, perhaps this is what it looks like. The acting is flamboyant, the story like a fairy tale, and the people always beautiful.

My Husband Won't Fit (2019– )

Great take on real life problems

[8/10 · 26 March 2019]

Very refreshing topic showing real life problems, rearly talked about. It IS frustrating to watch, but in reality situations like those portrayed ARE frustrating so it feels true to me. There is a lot of silence and misunderstandings and poor communication. I found the acting good enough and believable. Sexual problems are a difficult topic. Netflix production is showing great diversity. If you like the slow paced Japanese style I can truly recommend this. Probably you can also see this series in a context of the sexual problems in Japanese society today, where sexless marriages are becoming increasingly common.

A Royal Affair (2012)

Great interpretation of interesting historic event

[8/10 · 16 December 2016]

I found the story itself rather intriguing and the fact that it is based on real events makes the movie even more worth seeing. I assure you won't be bored watching this, lots of things happened during the relatively short period of time at the Danish court that this movie pictures. The characters are believable and you get a deeper understanding for the complex relationships between them. The actors are all very skilled and I can feel how kings and queens back then where only just people, looking for love and a meaningful life. This is unlike many other period dramas, where the dialogue tend to be too formal and characters archetypal. This is not the case with this film. I truly enjoyed it.

Carol (2015)

Romantic drama without emotion

[6/10 · 16 December 2016]

I expected a passionate love story. Instead I had a botoxed Cate Blanchett glaring emptily at something far in distance for most of the movie, and a whimpering and gray little mouse trotting around her feet. I'm not sure what the age gap is meant to be between the two women but Rooney Mara barely feels like more than a child to me, and the older Mrs is just using her for sex and comfort. I saw no love at all in this supposed love story, and no convincing acting what so ever. It is also rather slow paced. I could compliment the photo, the make up, the scenery, the movie is pretty to watch, but there is more to a good movie than just looks. This movie has no soul, or at least it failed to touch my own.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Possibly most depressing movie ever

[3/10 · 18 November 2016]

This movie works as an effective instruction video for dealing with the practicalities after someone close to you die. If you've ever been in contact with an experience like that, you will be very much reminded by watching this movie. Thanks to that, me and my husband had an awful night out at Stockholm film festival. Funeral music in the background, and a story which is downright sad and tragic. Hospital and morgue visits, lawyers visits, funeral parlor visits, funerals, sad pub visits with sad drinking and lots of built up grief and aggression. A movie about a man who has lost almost everything and, understandably, fails to deal with it. The relatively positive element of the relationship between the uncle and the nephew fails to compensate adequately for the total amount of darkness in this story. The acting is good and the story and the reactions of the actors are all very realistic, but as a movie experience it failed to entice me, and I was rather annoyed instead of my ruined night out. This is of course much down to expectations. Manchester by the sea should really come with a worming sign, saying one of the most depressing movies ever made.

The Backup Dancer (2016)

Slow paced and pretty

[8/10 · 15 November 2016]

I was expecting something more. When I watched this movie it was rated 8,9(!). I had my doubts, and rightfully so. I would give it 7,5 if I could, tops. I have only a few reflections. 1. The twist is too late. When finally a point is made, I have already given up waiting. This leaves me somewhat annoyed. Like I'm waiting for hours for a break through and when it finally comes, the movie is over. The humor is also a bit dopey and somewhat annoying. Too much, in contrast to the serious theme. Why? And the characters weren't really likable to me. Yet, a sensitive coming of age story, with the hardships pictured of a young adults life. Even though the twist is late, it makes the movie worth watching. My advise is to stay patient.

Wiener-Dog (2016)

I didn't get it

[6/10 · 15 November 2016]

As i watched this movie i had a few good laughs.. but in the end, i failed to get the point. If there was one.. the acting is stiff and artificial, which by all means may have been intended, but not to my liking. The interconnected stories didn't connect at all which made the plot impressively uninteresting. Was it even the same dog pictured throughout the movie? Who knows... the humor is quirky, dark and bizarre, I can give credit for that, but there is no story.. Half way through I started yawning and towards the end of the movie I longed for it to end. Even so I rate this movie with a 6, since it was actually funny, when you managed to look past the pointlessness of it all.

Before Midnight (2013)

Never ending dialog

[1/10 · 26 October 2013]

We were exited about a new drama with such high ratings.. But ended up watching only fifteen minutes, and those minutes felt like torture. The ridiculously long conversation scene in the car very efficiently killed our interest and made it impossible to keep watching. We tried to jump forward bit by bit but in every scene - more talking! blah blah blah blah! A never ending stream of complete nonsense. I guess the conversations are meant to seem natural, but if i ever had people around me who talked that much, i swear i would go mad in a minute. Don't waste your time with this movie, unless you have a very high tolerance to people ranting about nothing.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

A confusing failure

[5/10 · 27 December 2012]

I personally like fantasy and the escapism it provides, but a fantasy movie with the pretensions of being a drama is always at risk of becoming more of an unintended joke than a serious and gripping story. Unfortunately, Cloud Atlas completely fails to live up to its high set goals. The storyline feels forced, likewise the acting, and it is painful to see how hard everyone is trying to hold this impossible saga together and force some sense into it. There are loose ends everywhere and the multiple plots are confusing and poorly interconnected. The movie makers are trying to deliver some kind of universal and powerful message, but at the end of the movie that message still has failed to reach me. All I see is Tom Hanks and Hugh Grant everywhere, dressed up as different silly characters that has nothing to do with each other. It all makes me smirk, but at least that means the movie is entertaining in a way, and I thus manage to endure the drawn out three hours.

The Hedgehog (2009)

Wonderful story, but...

[7/10 · 7 February 2012]

I totally loved this film to begin with, and thought I would rank it as one of my favorite films ever. It reminded me of "Amélie" or similar feel good movies. I was really drawn into the story and felt for all the crucial characters. Also, the photo was fantastic and I felt so happy watching this film. Until the sudden ending...

Why is is that film makers and writers these days can't stand a happy ending? I was totally devastated watching this ending. To me it really ruined the film, destroying everything that had been built up. I understand the philosophical viewpoint and all, wanting to add some kind of depth to the story... But depth isn't necessarily synonymous with misery! Of course, this is probably how the book ended and thus the film had to end the same way. Yet, I am disappointed and even though I liked the film I wouldn't recommend it. It is just too sad. The last thing I want after watching a great and (to a certain point) happy film, is a bad feeling lingering on inside.