Britt-Marie Was Here

Sweden, 94m, DCP

Showtimes & Tickets

Screened September 20–October 3, 2019

Based on the bestselling novel by author Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove), this warmhearted comedy-drama finds Britt-Marie, age 63, suddenly reconsidering her purpose in life after she discovers her husband of 40 years has been cheating on her. Accepting a supremely unglamorous job at a ramshackle youth center in the backwater town of Borg, she reluctantly takes on the impossible task of coaching the children’s soccer team to victory. Despite having no experience and no resources, Britt-Marie is invigorated by the team’s infectious energy and, for the first time maybe ever, allows herself to step out of her comfort zone—and into a potential romance with a charming local police officer. Anchored by an affecting performance from Swedish stalwart Pernilla August (Fanny and Alexander), this sophomore feature from actor turned director Tuva Novotny (Blind Spot) is both a tender and droll reminder that it’s never too late for second chances. A Cohen Media Group release

In Swedish and German with English subtitles

Official selection: Göteborg Film Festival

A film by Tuva Novotny

An earnest portrait… [Pernilla] August’s restraint with gestures of affection make each smile and each laugh feel like they’ve been hard-earned.”

The New York Times