Patrik, Age 1.5
| Patrik, Age 1.5 | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ella Lemhagen |
| Produced by | Tomas Michaelsson |
| Screenplay by | Ella Lemhagen |
| Story by | Michael Druker |
| Starring |
Gustaf Skarsgård Torkel Petersson Tom Ljungman |
| Music by | Fredrik Emilson |
| Cinematography | Marek Septimus Weiser |
| Editing by | Thomas Lagerman |
| Studio | Filmlance International AB |
| Distributed by |
Sonet Film (Sweden) Regent Releasing here! Films (US) |
| Release dates |
|
| Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | Sweden |
| Language | Swedish |
| Box office | $57,468 |
Patrik, Age 1.5 (Swedish: Patrik 1,5) is a 2008 Swedish comedy–drama film in which a gay Swedish couple adopt what they at first believe to be a baby, Patrik, only to have him turn out to be a homophobic teenager.
Plot
The film chronicles the experience of a gay Swedish couple, Sven (Torkel Petersson) and Göran Skoogh (Gustaf Skarsgård) as they move into a new suburban neighborhood and adopt a child, beginning with their welcoming party. After meeting their new neighbors and settling into their jobs, they decide to adopt a child. Although they are married, no country is willing to let a gay couple adopt any of its children. After initially being turned down by the adoption, a Swedish orphan becomes available, which they readily agree to adopt. However, a typographical error on the papers changed the child's age from "15" to "1.5". When their new son Patrik (Tom Ljungman) arrives, they are shocked to find him a troubled teenager with a criminal background.
Hurrying to the adoption agency to rectify the error, they arrive to find there's nothing that can be done until the next week. Over the next few days, Sven is appalled by Patrik's insulting behavior, even though Göran sees the good in him. Patrik is initially fearful of both men, believing stereotypes that gays are pedophiles. Once the agency reopens, all three are told by the officials that Patrik's only options are living with them or returning to the foster center where he came from. After living up to his troublemaking habits, Patrik causes Sven to leave in disgust over Göran's unwillingness to kick Patrik out. Göran agrees to look after Patrik until the agency can find a suitable home for him. Over the next few days, Patrik reveals his talent at gardening, and Göran grows to accept him.
After several weeks, the agency notifies Göran that a family has been found for Patrik, who by this time has gotten past his initial fear and contempt for his surrogate parents. Sven returns as he and Göran both realize their issues weren't worth ending their relationship. Patrik's new father arrives to pick him up, and he leaves with him. After a short time, Patrik returns, and the three then live together permanently.
Cast
- Gustaf Skarsgård as Göran Skoogh
- Torkel Petersson as Sven Skoogh
- Tom Ljungman as Patrik
- Annika Hallin as Eva
- Amanda Davin as Isabell
- Jacob Ericksson as Lennart Ljung
- Anette Sevreus as Louise Ljung
- Mirja Burlin as Carina Karlsson
- Antti Reini as Tommy Karlsson
- Marie Delleskog as Britt-Marie Svensson
- Johan Kylén as Socialchef
- Kristian Lima de Faria as Socialassistent
- Karin de Frumerie as Receptionist
- Anders Lönnbro as Urban Adler
- Åsa-Lena Hjelm as Vivianne
Release
The film was shown at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival[1] and the 2009 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. It was screened to a sold-out cinema at the Seattle International Film Festival for the festival's annual "Gay-la" event. It is the opening night film at the 2009 Inside Out Film and Video Festival, and was a centerpiece film for Frameline in San Francisco in June 2009. It was the closing film at the Dublin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (GAZE) in August 2009 and at the Glasgay! Film Festival in October 2009. Also screened at the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival (where it placed 3rd for Best Feature) in November 2009, and at the 25th Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in early December 2009, where a discussion was held with director Ella Lemhagen after the sold-out (closing) screening at the Slovenian Cinematheque.
Reception
The film received positive reviews from critics. It currently holds a 71% 'Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[2] Jeanette Causulis from the New York Times said in her review that "Deftly combining low-key romance and gentle humor, the director, Ella Lemhagen (working from Michael Druker's 2008 play), stares down prejudice with a nudge and a wink rather than a soapbox."[3]
Sources
References
- ↑ Harvey, Dennis (September 12, 2008). "Patrik, Age 1.5 Movie Review From The Toronto Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
- ↑ Patrik, Age 1.5 at Rotten Tomatoes
- ↑ Movie Review - 'Patrik, Age 1.5'
External links
- Patrik, Age 1.5 at the Internet Movie Database
- Patrik, Age 1.5 at allmovie
- Patrik, Age 1.5 at the Swedish Film Database
- Patrik, Age 1.5 at Box Office Mojo
- Patrik, Age 1.5 at Rotten Tomatoes
- "It's a Wonderful Life…Isn't It?" a Bluefat review