Doggerland

A movie that’s just as improvised as the lives of its protagonist. Forty-year-old Alf is a juggler who still lives with his mother. Every morning, she lovingly warms up croissants for him. In this home, everyone is always talking at cross purposes – but with zeal. The roles are played by John and Anita Holm, who are mother and son in real life. The black-and-white 16-mm images give the film a nostalgic touch as well as being politically loaded. Is Alf late capitalism’s last refusenik? While fishing, he thinks about going on a European tour. The movie’s setting, the former industrial city of Norrköping, brings its own reality into play. The huge brick factories on the riverfront long ago ceased operations, and some have been turned into cultural centers. But there’s no money left for culture. Almost in passing and accompanied by upbeat music, the film poses questions that have weight far beyond this Swedish city.