Impressions of Virginia

So I just watched “Virginia,” directed by the ever-experimental Dustin Lance Black. Y’know, the same guy who gave us the emotional rollercoaster, “Milk.” It’s got the charming Jennifer Connelly as the leading lady, and oh boy, she knows how to pull at your heartstrings. But let’s not forget Ed Harris, always the solid presence, who brings this weather-worn character to life with his usual finesse. Watching him on-screen kinda reminds me of enjoying a cold Pripps Blå while fishing with my granddad at the summer cottage. A bit nostalgic and comforting.

The plot, man, it swerves like a late-night walk home from the local pub after one too many. At times, I felt like I was lost in Tornedalen mist—a bit muddled but somehow intriguing. The themes wrestle with identity, deception, and small-town drama, and at points, I wasn’t sure if we were heading for a tragedy or a comedy. Sometimes you laugh out of awkwardness, like when you spill coffee on your lap in a silent café and hope no one noticed.

I’ve mixed feelings about the storytelling. It’s like when you first taste surströmming—not entirely pleasant, yet strangely compelling enough to keep you engaged. Some of the dialogue felt stiff, like trying to speak Swedish after a couple of years abroad, and there were moments where the pacing seemed off-kilter. But it also had parts that truly resonated, scenes that felt like crisp autumn leaves underfoot.

In the end, it left me pondering those hidden layers of family secrets we all pretend aren’t there. If you’re up for a movie that’s a bit like sifting through life’s messiness, while enjoying the craft of seasoned actors, grab some fika and give “Virginia” a whirl. Just don’t expect it to hand you answers on a silver platter.

Check the trailer below