A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove is a swedish film about an old curmudgeon who wants to kill himself but can't quite find the time. It is a dark comedy and a feel good piece all rolled into one.

There is a lot of sweetness about the bitter old man in this film. Through flashbacks we learn that he was always a difficult person to connect with, perhaps on the Aspergers scale? Only his wife seemed to give his life purpose or meaningful structure and since he visits her grave daily, we know he is lacking in the means to enjoy the time he has left.

The dark comedy is enjoyable, thrusting Ove into all sorts of unexpected and trying situations, like trying to retrieve a borrowed coin from a children's clown. After setting him up as so unforgiving, the plot strains credulity here. It is hard to imagine him actually accepting strays of the feline and human variety into his home and yet, through peer pressure he somehow does.

You know eventually he will come around to a warmer version of himself and he does on a fairly grand scale. It is predictable but also sweet and enjoyable. 

The film is nominated for Make Up and I had to read up to figure out why. Apparently the young and old versions of Ove were played by the same actor! I never would have guessed it when watching the film. Well, played, guys! You get my vote for Make Up for sure!