Alright, grab a kanelbulle and let’s dive into a film that’s got me scratching my head a little—Veronika Decides to Die. If you ever wondered what it would feel like to get a second chance at life, well, this one’s for you. It’s based on Paulo Coelho’s novel, and honestly, it’s got that deep, introspective vibe that can either make you feel super enlightened or just a teensy bit exhausted, like after a long walk in Norrland.

The film follows Veronika, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar (yep, Buffy herself), and she’s caught in this existential whirlwind after a not-so-successful suicide attempt lands her in a mental institution. And it’s there that life, in its roundabout way, begins again for her. The story tries to paint with colors we all see but often ignore—love, madness, and our battle with monotony.

I have to admit, there were moments watching this that reminded me of an autumn in Lund: both beautiful and a little gloomy. The film’s mood is like the gray skies we get, yet you can’t help but find a certain warmth in it. The direction sometimes feels as precise as a Swedish watch, but then, suddenly, it wanders off like a stray cat in Gamla Stan.

But here’s the thing—while I was expecting some twisty-turny emotional rollercoaster, it kinda felt like riding a pendeltåg that never quite picks up speed. The performances are solid, though. If you squint, Jonathan Tucker might remind you of that one intense guy you always see sipping a latte at your local Stockholm café.

And let’s talk about the music! With a score that sometimes feels like it’s coaxing you to sleep, it surprisingly works, setting this almost therapeutic tone. It’s a film that makes you think of those quiet mornings, the smell of fresh coffee mixing with the first rays of sun—inviting yet sobering.

Maybe it didn’t shake my world’s foundations, but there’s something oddly comforting in its imperfections, like an old friend who doesn’t always know when to stop talking. Give it a whirl if you’re in one of those reflective, fika moods.

For a cheeky preview, check out the trailer here: Veronika Decides to Die.

Would love to hear your thoughts over a fika.