‘Rose' is the story of a group of Danish holidaymakers who take a coach-trip to Paris in the weeks following the death of Princess Diana.
Inger (Sofie Gråbøl) is a woman with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, who is convinced by her sister, Ellen (Lene Maria Christensen), to leave the security of her residential care-home and join her and her husband, Vagn (Anders W Berthelsen), on the journey – much against their over-protective mother’s wishes and advice.
Also on the coach-trip are the uptight Andrea (the fabulous Søren Malling), his down-trodden wife Margit (Christiane G Koch) and their 12 year-old son, Christian (Luca Reichardt Ben Coker).
Inger’s condition means she has no filter and often says exactly what she thinks – and that outspokenness causes, at various stages throughout the journey, embarrassment, shock and – often – a gentle humour. For example, she happily chats to young Christian, who befriends Inger and her family almost immediately, about oral sex.
Inger also has a tendency to self-harm, encouraged by a fictional influence she calls “Goldensun” – the name of which becomes apparent later in the film (as does the name “Rose” – there is no character of that name in the film). She is also very aware of her frailties when it comes to hurting herself, so she’s constantly reminding poor Ellen and Vagn about what ill-fate could befall her, such as walking into traffic or hurling herself off a balcony, if precautions aren’t put in place.
Ellen and her long-suffering husband, Vagh, hope that escaping the shackles of their mother and allowing Inger to experience a world outside of the home will be good for her, and improve the quality of life. But what they don’t realise is that Inger has an ulterior motive for wanting to visit Paris, and she enlists the help of Christian to achieve her purpose.
Sofie Gråbøl is Scandinavian royalty when it comes to Nordic drama. Her CV includes such stellar dramas as ‘The Killing' and ‘Fortitude', as well as appearances in everything from ‘Absolutely Fabulous' to ‘Gentleman Jack'. But this might be her most challenging and extraordinary role to date. She nails it, obviously. Her performance is bewitching to watch.
The film is directed and written by another Danish legend, Niels Arden Oplev, director of the original ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo', who based on story on his own experiences with his schizophrenic sister. And it feels very personal.
There are times when it is in danger of becoming a bit too schmaltzy and overly sentimental, but for the most part it stays on the right side of the line. The earthy humour that runs through the film rescues it from being too sweet. And Gråbøl’s presence assures you are always going to get nothing but the best in quality.
Cast: Sofie Gråbøl, Lene Maria Christensen, Anders W. Berthelsen Director: Niels Arden Oplev Writer: Niels Arden Oplev Certificate: 12A Duration: 106 mins Released by: Bulldog Film Distribution Release date: 28th June 2024 (select cinemas and on-demand)
