September Dawn: A Messy Ride

So, I was the happiest lad in the room when I got my hands on “September Dawn.” Picture me on a cold November evening, wrapped up in an old IKEA blanket and a cup of strong Swedish coffee by my side. This flick, directed by Christopher Cain, and starring the rugged Jon Voight, promised drama by the bucketloads. But man, the result? Mixed like smorgasbord.

The story is glued to the September 1857 Mountain Meadows massacre, a chilling event I hadn’t heard about until this movie. You know, historical portrayals can stir your emotions, or sometimes, make you go “vad är det här?” Unfortunately, this one’s more of the latter.

Voight as Brigham Young is gripping, no doubt. I swear, his piercing eyes could slice like the winds off Lake Siljan in winter. But the balance in the storytelling wobbles—I’m looking for authenticity here, like a good lingonberry jam on pancakes, and it’s not hitting the spot.

Now who knew this would also bring a love story into the mix, packed with forbidden romance and all that jazz? I gotta say, it’s almost as awkward as trying to explain “fika” to someone who thinks coffee is just a drink. But, might be unfair to hold it against them. They aimed high, like shooting for the Nobel, but it landed more like when your köttbullar roll off the plate.

Have you ever felt like a movie didn’t know what it wanted to be when it grew up? Maybe it’s ambitious, touching on faith and fear, but lost in a whirlpool somewhere. If you’re in a pondering mood, give it a whirl. Just don’t expect Bergman-level ponderings. More like grabbing a Polarkaka when you’re really craving a proper loaf.

Catch this if you’re curious, but keep expectations like my socks—lukewarm.

Check the trailer below