Hey friends,

So, I just watched “The Stone Merchant” (or “Il mercante di pietre” in its original Italian), and man, what a ride. This movie’s something else. It’s like a mix of thriller, romance, and a whole lot of political intrigue. Strangely enough, it reminded me of those rainy Wednesday afternoons we used to spend at Filmstaden back in the day — the theater almost empty, except for a handful of hardcore cinephiles munching on kexchoklad. Härligt.

The story revolves around a geologist named Ludovico, who’s pulled into a labyrinthine plot that touches on terrorism, love, and ancient stones. His journey takes him through some stunning landscapes, although I have to admit, it sometimes felt like the scenery was more compelling than the narrative. It’s like, I wish the plot twists were as sharp as the mountains they filmed on.

The film’s pacing can be a bit… uneven. Maybe it’s just me, but I think they could’ve cut 20 minutes and it wouldn’t’ve hurt. The build-up to the climax had me on edge, but then it kinda fizzled out. And the dialogue… Let’s just say that some of the English lines made me cringe. It’s a bit like when you hear Swedes trying to nail American accents in those old dubbed movies. Not quite there.

What truly saved “The Stone Merchant” for me were the performances. F. Murray Abraham was brilliant, as expected. The man’s a legend. And kudos to Jane March, who brought an emotional depth to her role that I wasn’t really expecting. There’s one scene where she’s staring at this ancient stone, lost in contemplation, and I swear, you could almost feel the weight of centuries through the screen.

You know, this movie got me thinking about personal connections to objects, like the way we Swedes hold onto those little Dalahäst horses, laden with memories. Isn’t it wild how inanimate things can carry so much emotional baggage?

Anyway, if you’re into political dramas spiced up with a bit of romance and beautiful cinematography, this one’s worth a watch. But don’t expect a perfect gem; it’s more like a rough stone with some shiny bits.

Catch the trailer here and let me know what you think: The Stone Merchant