City of Ember: A Flickering Light in the Darkness

City of Ember, eh? It’s like stepping into a world where the lights are dim, much like a late autumn afternoon in Östermalm, when the streetlights start to flicker but never fully commit. This film, brought to us by the talented director Gil Kenan, manages to craft this new, unique atmosphere that reminds me of those endless Swedish winters when it gets dark before you’ve even finished your falu rödfärg lunch.

Now, you’ve got Bill Murray and Tim Robbins in this one, which is a bit like having surströmming on a summer picnic – unexpected and slightly overpowering. Bill Murray, always the king of deadpan, does his thing, but in a city where the lights are dying, even his usual sparkle seems a touch muted. And Tim Robbins adds a layer of mystique that matches the underground vibe of Ember.

I remember taking my nephews to watch this flick back in 2008. It was one of those ‘två för en’ cinema deals on a Sunday, you know? The smell of freshly popped popcorn combined with the anticipation of something new. Today, I can’t help but wonder if the claustrophobic feel of Ember reflects the clutter in our own lives here in Sverige – all those rainy days spent indoors and the existential question of ‘var är solen?’

While the film’s visuals are something to marvel at, I felt the storyline could’ve been a bit more, well, energisk. It sparkles with interesting ideas but maybe misses the full flair of, say, a proper Midsummer night bonfire.

By the time the credits rolled, and we stumbled out into the crisp evening air, I couldn’t shake the feeling that City of Ember is a bit like a quiet autumn in Stockholm. Beautiful, contemplative, but perhaps leaving you longing for just a bit more warmth. Maybe watch it with some varm glögg in hand. Skål!

Check the trailer below