God Don’t Make the Laws – A Small Town Freeze

Hej folks, I’ve just wrapped my head around “God Don’t Make the Laws,” a film that’s got the brains behind “The Usual Suspects,” Russell Adams, again flexing his producer muscles. It comes with a combo dish of drama, fantasy, and small-town charm that’s a bit like eating knackebröd with a side of knäck. If you know what I mean.

First off, if you’re hoping for some grand Swedish smorgasbord of emotions, it might leave you a bit peckish. The film is set in a small town where time’s gone on strike – it’s frozen solid. And hey, when has time ever listened to a Swedish schedule anyway? The whole premise tickled my curiosity, but did it deliver? Sort of.

Don’t let me forget about Ella Rae Peck, who’s quite the gem here. She lights up the screen, and in that tiny, stuck-in-time town, she adds a twist of reality that belies her age. Though, honestly, when was the last time we saw Charles Durning not adding gravitas to a role? Proper legend, that man. David Strathairn also pops in, lending that voice that feels like hearing jazz on a foggy Stockholm morn.

Now, what stands out – maybe cuz I’m a sucker for this stuff – are the themes of regret and redemption. Takes me back to when I missed the last bus home from Stockholm, ended up at a friend’s in Umeå watching dodgy VHS tapes till morning—weirdly comforting.

As the wind says in Gästrikland, “better lukewarm than never!” Maybe this film’s style isn’t everyone’s kanelbulle, but it’s got heart. You can tell it’s not just about the clock not ticking, but what’s left unstuck in one’s own heart.

Oh, and a fun fact – watching this triggered a memory of swinging on an old tire hanging from a tree. Time stopped for me then too, thanks to my poor sense of direction. If you do have a handmade kitchen clock that always runs fast or slow, you’ll just get it.

So grab a cup of kaffe, and if you’re up for a unique flick, give it a go. It might not challenge Ingmar Bergman for your top Swedish cinema spot, but it’s got its charms – like Aprilväder in October. Skål!

Check the trailer below