Oh boy, where to start with “The United States of Leland”? This movie is a real rollercoaster. It’s one of those films where you think you’re going to get one thing, but you end up with something totally different. It’s like going to a Swedish kräftskiva expecting kanelbullar but getting pickled herring instead.

First off, Leland, played by Ryan Gosling before he became the heartthrob we all love today, is this enigmatic teenager who commits an unthinkable crime. And yet, somehow, we’re supposed to feel empathy for him. You know, it kinda reminds me of those awkward teenage years when everything feels intense and confusing. Like when I once threw a snowball at my crush—only to hit the strictest teacher in school instead. Talk about unintended consequences!

Now, the cast. Wow. It’s stacked. Kevin Spacey, Don Cheadle, Lena Olin—yeah, her Swedish roots always bring a little smile to my face. The acting is top-notch, but sometimes it feels like the script doesn’t really know what to do with all this talent. It’s like having a smörgåsbord with too many options but not enough time to savor each one.

I have to say, the movie’s pace is, well, peculiar. At some points, it’s like being stuck in a Stockholm traffic jam—slow and frustrating—but then it suddenly breaks into this crazy, emotional catharsis. Some parts really hit home, making you think about life, choices, and those moments you can’t take back. But other times, you’re just left scratching your head, wondering what’s going on.

Do I recommend “The United States of Leland”? Well, maybe. If you’re into deep, introspective dramas, this one’s for you. But if you’re looking for a Friday night flick with the gang, you might want to give it a miss.

Anyway, if you’re curious, check out the trailer here: The United States of Leland.

And hey, maybe you’ll relate to it more than I did. Skål!