Alright folks, let’s talk about “This Beautiful Fantastic.” If you’ve never heard of it, you’re in for a treat. It’s this quirky British film that weaves together gardening and an unlikely friendship. Think Amelie meets a very British garden. I was immediately drawn to it because, truth be told, I have a bit of a not-so-green thumb myself.

The story revolves around Bella Brown, an eccentric and reclusive woman who dreams of becoming a children’s author but is challenged by the overgrown jungle that is her backyard. Enter Alfie, her cantankerous neighbor with a knack for horticulture. Their uneasy alliance slowly blooms into something quite heartwarming.

So, let’s break it down. The cinematography is just lush. Every frame filled with vibrant greens and delicate florals. It’s like stepping into a floral shop on Södermalm. You can almost smell the roses, seriously! And the acting! Jessica Brown Findlay, she’s just mesmerizing as Bella. And Tom Wilkinson? Man, he’s always bringing that grumpy-old-man charm with an underlying heart of gold.

But, and here’s the kicker, sometimes the film does feel a bit… predictable? You know that feeling when you can see where it’s heading but you still want to go along for the ride? Well, that’s kind of it. Predictable plot, but with a comforting familiarity, like watching “Allsång på Skansen” on a Tuesday night.

I remember last spring, I was struggling with my own little garden patch. My granddad always said, “Du kan inte vifta en trollstav och förvänta dig blommor.” It’s a process, you know? Much like how Bella’s journey mirrors a good gardening season — a mix of sun and rain, effort and patience.

The movie does a beautiful job of illustrating that. Yes, it’s a cozy, idealistic portrayal of urban life, but it also nudges you to believe that a little help and understanding go a long way. Like how I borrowed my neighbor’s gardening tools and ended up with a healthy patch of tulips.

I think, even if you’re not into gardening, you’ll appreciate the message. We all have a “garden” in our lives that needs tending, be it our passions, our relationships, or our personal growth. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but it really works here.

Have a look at the trailer