A Shine of Rainbows: A Kaleidoscope of Emotions

Think back to those damp, windy days we often have here in Sweden, when the sky is fifty shades of grey. It’s the kind of weather that makes you crave a big mug of kaffe and a good film to cuddle up with. “A Shine of Rainbows” fits right into those days like döner kebab at a music festival. Now, we’re diving into this little gem directed by the talented Vic Sarin. It’s like a fine piece of art painted with emotions.

The film stars Connie Nielsen and the ever-charismatic Aidan Quinn, both bringing their A-game. Connie plays Maire O’Donnell, this radiant soul who’s all about warmth and love, while Aidan, playing Alec O’Donnell, adds a layer of grumpiness that honestly reminds me of my old neighbour, Gudmundsson. Bless him! Together, they adopt this shy little lad, Tomas, who discovers not only family but also magic in unexpected places.

So here’s where I got caught off-guard—there’s this village, and the vividness of it all just hits you right in the senses. I swear, if I closed my eyes, I could almost smell the ocean breeze and imagine myself in a småstuget near Göteborg during midsummer. The flick is visually stunning: lush greens that contrast beautifully with Ireland’s rugged landscape.

But let’s be honest, the storyline does meander a bit. At times, you feel like you’re on a svensk road trip without a map. You’re enjoying the journey, but you’re not quite sure where it’s leading. And sometimes, it dips into the realm of predictability. Yet, it’s a comforting kind of familiar, like finding a forgotten fifty kronor in your winter coat pocket.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or if you’ve longed to be accepted—well, who hasn’t, really?—then Tomas’s journey might strike a chord. There’s magic in embracing differences, in learning to grow where you are planted, so to speak.

Give it a whirl on a lazy Sunday. Maybe it won’t hit the Oscars list (or our Swedish Guldbagge Awards), but it sure has a soul. And sometimes, isn’t that all you need?

Check the trailer below