My Week with Marilyn: A Movie Review from the Swedish Soul

So, you know how sometimes you just want to dive into a world of glitz and old school glamour? “My Week with Marilyn” is like stepping back into a glam nostalgia trip rikigt på riktigt — directed by Simon Curtis and starring the ever-brilliant Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. And let’s not forget Kenneth Branagh spicing things up as Sir Lawrence Olivier. Oh boy, you can imagine the acting chops.

Honestly, I went into this thinking, “Okay, it’s another biopic.” But det var nånting extra about Williams’ performance. She has this knack for capturing Marilyn’s vulnerability, like you’re privy to those little hidden moments, away från all the cameras. It kinda reminded me of a time when I found an old photo of my morfar in his military uniform. You see a side that’s the real persona, beyond the façade.

Eddie Redmayne, before he was busy chasing magic creatures, gives an earnest performance as Colin Clark. Watching his wide-eyed fascination sliding into real affection—I can’t lie—was like reliving a summer crush when I used to visit my cousin’s stuga by Vänern. Those butterflies, you know? But something seemed a tad off in the romance department, maybe it wasn’t fully cooked in the script. I think it might’ve needed a pinch more seasoning—en smak av real tension.

The film’s exquisite scenery nearly stole the show, like a postcard plucked from history. The lavish estates and period costumes sprinkle the movie with authenticity like our beloved Swedish kanelbulle: sweet and comforting in its familiarity.

But here’s where I waver a bit. As much as I adored the setting and performances, parts felt a smidge predictable. Like, okay, we’ve seen the tragic trope of the beautiful, misunderstood star before, haven’t we? Yet, there was an undeniable charm watching Branagh flustera his way through Olivier’s frustration.

So, grab a kaffe, snuggle under a blankie, and let “My Week with Marilyn” take you on a trip down cinematic memory lane. It’s not flawless, but then again, what is? Like life, it’s those little quirks and imperfections that make it interesting.

Check the trailer below