The Pardon: A Bit of This, A Bit of That

So there I was, sittin’ in my favorite armchair, a snug spot that’s seen too many snacks and spilled drinks. I popped on “The Pardon,” directed by Tom Keller and produced by the ever-so-genius Emma Watts. Now, you know how it is—when names like these are involved, you buckle up for something interesting.

With stars like Vanessa Hudgens and Idris Elba, you might expect fireworks. But it’s more like one of those quiet Swedish saunas, ya know? Steamy, sometimes uncomfortably hot, but oddly relaxing. Elba nailed that stoic-yet-tormented vibe, and Hudgens, well, she surprised me. You could almost see her shimmering in the dim light, like a false hope in a Nordic noir.

Now, don’t get me wrong—as much as I admired the performances, I found myself a bit baffled at times. The plot twisted stronger than a Twister game at a Midsummer party! I mean, halfway through, I was scratching my head, trying to connect the dots. Maybe a bit too much trying to be clever, you know what I mean?

And the themes! Quite heavy. It reminded me of that time years ago when I found myself at an art exhibit, eyes wide at the abstract expressionism. Never quite got it, but I felt something—if that makes sense. The film’s portrayal of forgiveness and deceit struck deep, much like those strange paintings.

The music? Spot on, mate. The sweeping soundscapes moved between an eerie calm and heart-racing tension, which is probably the best way to describe the whole film experience. A touch modern, a splash classic.

Is it a must-see? Well, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s more like a “see it and decide for yourself” kinda movie. If you’re into character depth like Mikael Persbrandt in those old Swedish dramas, you’ll dig it. If you’re in the mood for a blockbuster rollercoaster, you might hit pause more than play.

And yeah, remember to have some fika ready. It’s a thinker.

Check the trailer below