Just watched “Small Apartments” and, wow, what a quirky ride that was. It’s one of those films that doesn’t really fit neatly into any genre – part comedy, part thriller, with a dash of absurdity. The story revolves around Franklin Franklin (played by Matt Lucas), a bald, oddball recluse who dreams of Switzerland while living in a shabby apartment complex surrounded by the weirdest bunch of neighbors you could imagine.
Jonas Åkerlund directs this film, and his style is unmistakable. The use of color is so vivid it almost feels like licking a frozen popsicle in the middle of summer in Gamla Stan. There’s something so bizarre yet captivating about the whole setup. One minute, you’re laughing at the ridiculousness of a scene; the next, you’re left pondering life’s bigger questions.
Though the ensemble cast is packed with big names – Johnny Knoxville, Rebel Wilson, and even Billy Crystal – the movie hinges on Lucas’s performance. He brings a peculiar charm to Franklin that makes you root for him despite (or maybe because of) his many flaws.
Speaking of flaws, the narrative can be a bit all over the place. It’s not what you’d call a tight script. Some subplots feel like trying to fit a Volvo in a Mini Cooper’s garage, you know? But in a strange way, that’s part of its charm. Like when you’re eating pickled herring for the first time – you’re not sure if you actually like it, but you can’t stop eating it.
One scene really struck me: Franklin playing the alpenhorn in his messy apartment. It reminded me of a summer night at my uncle’s cabin in Småland where Gösta, the neighbor, would play his accordion way into the night. There’s something so unhinged yet comforting about it.
If you’re into offbeat humor with a side of dark undertones, this one’s for you. But if you prefer your films straightforward and logical, maybe steer clear. It’s not a film for everyone, but it has its own odd little charm. Just like an old friend who’s kinda crazy but you love hanging out with anyway.
Check out the trailer here: Small Apartments
