Elina: As If I Wasn't There

A quiet, tender childhood drama about standing your ground, with a stubborn heroine and a slow ache of loss underneath.

Directed by

Klaus Härö

Genres

Drama, Family

Starring

Natalie Minnevik, Bibi Andersson, Marjaana Maijala

Overview

In rural Sweden of the early 1950s, little Elina goes to school again after recovering from tuberculosis, the same illness that has killed her father a few years earlier. Elina's family belongs to Finnish-speaking Finns frowned upon by a staunch schoolmistress who starts hounding Elina for questioning her authority. Elina's mother, sister, and a liberal young male teacher all try to mediate the ensuing battle of wills between Elina and Miss Holm. Elina finds consolation in wandering out on the dangerous marshlands to have imaginary conversations with her dead father. Written by Markku Kuoppamäki

How it feels

Earnest, melancholic, warm and tense. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, grief, coming-of-age, family

Content

Mild language. No violence, gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)