Finding Bliss – A Quirky Dive into the Unexpected

Alltså, let me tell you about this little oddball called *Finding Bliss*. The film attempts to tread that fine line between comedy and drama and kind of makes you wonder where the script went a bit astray. Written and directed by Julie Davis, it’s one of those flicks that’s really tricky to pin down. I mean, it starts off promising but then, much like a stark Swedish winter day, leaves you wondering if you should just have stayed in under a cozy blanket.

Leelee Sobieski, who plays Jody, brings her A-game, definitely. She captures the naivety and charm of a would-be director struggling in Hollywood, imbued with that look of wide-eyed belief that reminded me so much of when I first believed I could master Jussi Björling’s arias after a sip too many of glögg. It was earnest, maybe a little foolhardy, but it cut through. And look, you’ll be treated to the delightful sheen of Matthew Davis trying his hand at humor, like a Swede attempting to act casual after spotting a moose in their garden.

Now, let’s get into technicalities, shall we? The cinematography, quite simple but effective, captures the paradoxical allure of Los Angeles. It almost feels like a kunstigt ljus — artificial light, which is both enticing and slightly off-putting. It’s kind of a metaphor, you see?

But there’s a catch! *Finding Bliss* sometimes feels like it’s juggling too many pepparkakor. There are moments when it veers into absurdity, making you scratch your head, wondering if it’s trying a bit too hard to be quirky.

It somehow left me thinking back to a summer night in 1998, in a little cafe in Vimmerby, listening to heated debates about Bergman’s films, where passion sometimes overshadowed clarity. Perhaps in its imperfections, *Finding Bliss* is more human than we’d like to admit.

Totally worth it if you’re in for something that tries to mix it up, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself mumbling “vad i all sin dar?”

Check the trailer below