The dark November nights (and days, let’s be honest) of Stockholm have once again been blessed with over 300 solid reasons to leave the house and live a small new life. One stays indoors while travelling to lands far away, seeing the world through the eyes of others. Cinema is a unique activity, isn’t it?
During the twelve days of the festival, the audiences were fortunate enough to witness the icons of the past and the up-and-coming stars of the present, telling stories that might resonate differently with each of us, but never leave anyone indifferent.
I strongly believe that one of the greatest powers any art form has on us is its ability to create experiences outside of our daily routine. Could I ever fly a military jet? Or sing on the world’s greatest stages? Or maybe uncover the truth behind a seemingly impossible crime? Never say never, but pragmatically, unlikely. And yet, curiosity is a virtue. Cinema helps to step into someone else’s shoes and relate to the unknown.
Relatability, being one of the keys to being liked, is frequently used by the masters of the craft – how can my character, despite their wrongdoings, be cheered for? They must have motives that the audience can identify, understand and feel for.
Eternity, one of the most anticipated films of the 2025 autumn box office, invites you to explore the beyond without getting all touchy-feely around the concept of death. Being a topic that has been successfully normalised for the younger audiences in animated films like Soul or Coco, Eternity fulfils a similar purpose of normalisation, but for adults.
Wrapped in a romcom love triangle, Eternity maps out the dilemma of choosing who Joan, the main character, will spend her afterlife with: her dreamy first husband Luke who died in war and waited for her for 67 years or her very ordinary second husband Larry, with whom she built a life and grew together. Elizabeth Olsen as Joan, Callum Turner as Luke and Miles Teller as Larry deliver a relatable performance without falling into the sitcom territory: after all, how many of us have had to choose an afterlife partner?
The best part about Eternity is a clear, deep meaning behind the snuggly romantic exterior – whatever happens while we are here and whatever awaits us afterwards, nobody wants to be lonely. The sought-after connection keeps us in check with the reality we are living in and helps us adjust when needed. No spoilers, in case you haven’t seen the film, but I can only say that it will leave you with a few uncomfortable yet exciting questions.
Another standout of this year’s program, Rental Family, studies loneliness from a different angle. In one of the most populated cities in the world, Tokyo, where whatever your heart desires is available and you are constantly surrounded by people, so many feel deeply alone. To address the pressing need for human connection, clients turn to a business that rents out people who provide companionship. A home-cooked meal from a mother you’ll never see again? A father whom you never met? A pretend mistress that can patch things up with your wife? A pal you can play video games with? Anything is possible.
Following the steps of the actor for hire, Phillip, brilliantly played by Brendan Fraser, the audience gets a sneak peek into the very personal moments of an everyday man who wants to be useful and wants to feel. The train of uncomfortable questions keeps going at full speed, encouraging the viewers to search for what might be missing in their own lives because, ultimately, the coloured lenses we are privileged to look through during those two hours in the cinema always leave an impression.
Featured photo by: Katerina Godunova
