A Bajen Fan’s Take on “Creation”

Alright folks, so I just saw “Creation,” and I’ve got some thoughts to share. Now, this film is a biographical drama following Charles Darwin during the time he was working on “On the Origin of Species.” Directed by Jon Amiel, with Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly steppin’ into some rather hefty historical shoes. But first things first—Bettany, as Darwin, he’s got the chops, but does the film fully utilize them? Ehh, I’m not sure.

You know, watching this film, I felt like I was back at the Naturhistoriska riksmuseet—those endless school trips wondering why on Earth I cared about birds with weird beaks. In the film, Darwin’s exploration is beautifully shot, like those dreamy Swedish summer nights. The lush greenery, the earthy textures—in my head, I almost heard the soothing cadence of an ABBA tune accompanying the landscapes.

Paul Bettany, my man, nails the tortured genius bit, but sometimes the pacing felt slower than a Sunday afternoon at a deserted Skansen. The chemistry between him and Connelly, playing his wife Emma, is as magnetic as a Hammarby game—when we’re winning! But why oh why does this chemistry occasionally stall? I’m left hanging like when you queue at a ‘korvkiosk’ and the grill’s out.

On a social level, it pokes at themes like belief and science which, honestly, are as relevant as sipping coffee on a chilly Stockholm morning. Yet, the film can get a wee bit preachy—like your uncle at Christmas who’s too deep into his snaps.

To sum it up, I think “Creation” is like a good fika break: comforting and reflective but maybe not groundbreaking for everyone. Anyhow, it’s worth a peek if you fancy a bit of dramatized history with a strong cuppa in hand.

Check the trailer below