I just watched “Blackfoot Trail,” and man, where do I even start? This film is like a smörgåsbord of raw emotions and unexpected turns. It’s a bit of a slow burn, you know? Not exactly like getting straight into a Bergman classic, but it gets there.
The story revolves around this guy, Jesse, who’s grappling with some heavy stuff. He heads into the wilderness to find some peace but ends up with a lot more than he bargained for. Imagine heading to your stuga in the woods for a break, only to stumble upon your past in the most literal way. The film’s landscape shots—think Swedish skogar but with a grittier American twist—are breathtaking. It’s like you can almost smell the pine and hear the rustle of leaves underfoot.
Now, the characters… well, they’re hit or miss. Jesse, played by Caleb (can’t remember his last name, classic me), was spot-on. Relatable, gritty, almost as if he was a distant cousin from Göteborg you hadn’t seen in a while. But some of the supporting cast felt a little… bland? Like, when you’re expecting gravlax and get plain ol’ räksallad instead. A bit disappointing.
I have to admit, I got a bit nostalgic when Jesse stumbled upon an old photo album. It reminded me of when I found a box of gamla bilder up in my parents’ attic. Looking at those old photos, seeing faces and places from a time gone by—it’s a powerful thing. This film taps into that kind of nostalgia but wraps it in a suspenseful, almost eerie package.
One thing that threw me off was the pacing. At times, it felt like dragging a pulka through slush. But just when you think you’ve had enough, the plot throws in a curveball. Kudos to the director for keeping me on my toes, even if there were moments I was tempted to check my watch.
Oh, and the soundtrack! Kind of like mixing Kent with Bon Iver. Melancholic, yet beautiful. It sets the perfect tone for the film’s introspective journey.
Overall, “Blackfoot Trail” is worth a watch. Not perfect, but it’s got that certain je ne sais quoi. Grab some kaffe and kanelbullar, and settle in for a ride that’s as unpredictable as a Swedish summer day.
Check out the trailer here: Blackfoot trail