Teenager John-John (Mustapha Aarab) saves a little girl from drowning and falls in love with her older sister (Elsa Öhrn), but their romance faces a series of obstacles. A fresh adaptation of a beloved young adult novel that updates the story and makes a few welcome changes, including addressing some of the violence potentially facing anyone growing up in Sweden’s most troubled suburbs. Cute puppy love between a boy and a girl from opposite sides of the tracks, boosted by likable efforts from the young leads. Formulaic, but attractively staged and scored, well attuned to younger audiences.
2021-Sweden. VOD. 90 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Alexis Almström. Novel: Mats Wahl. Song: ”Eld & lågor” (performed by Victor Leksell). Cast: Mustapha Aarab (John-John), Elsa Öhrn (Elisabeth), Magnus Krepper (Frank), Loreen, Jonay Pineda Skallak, Simon Mezher… Marika Lagercrantz.
Trivia: Original title: Vinterviken. The novel was previously filmed in Sweden as Vinterviken (1996).