Erik XIV: A Quirky 1928 Student Film That's More Fun Than It Sounds

Alright, let’s be real from the jump: if you’re looking for high-budget drama or modern storytelling, Erik XIV is absolutely not your jam. This one's for the serious film archaeology types, maybe students of Swedish culture, or anyone with a deep, *deep* love for silent cinema oddities. Everyone else? You’ll probably find it a bit baffling. But for its niche, it’s got a certain... *something*.

This isn't a 'movie' in the way we usually think about it. It's a 'spex' film, shot for the Lunda Carnival back in 1928. Think of it like a really elaborate, slightly goofy student play, just caught on film. The plot, if you can call it that, throws Erik XIV together with Queen Elisabeth and Shakespeare. Which, yes, is exactly as historically accurate as it sounds. Zero.

Watching this, you can just feel the student energy. Like, the whole vibe is less 'serious production' and more 'let’s put on a show in the dorm basement!' There’s a certain charm to that, you know? The sets are simple, the costumes look like they raided a local theater's backroom. And that’s part of the fun.

The acting is pure silent film theatricality. Big gestures, wide eyes. Åke Lellky, as Erik, is quite good at looking perpetually confused or very determined, sometimes both in the same shot. And Lisa Rydén-Prytz as Queen Elisabeth? She carries herself with this delightful, almost regal *swagger* that’s pretty infectious. ✨

One scene sticks with me: Erik XIV is just sort of wandering around, looking lost, and then suddenly he’s face-to-face with Shakespeare. The reaction shot from Erik is priceless; a quick double-take, then this look of utter bewilderment. It’s played for laughs, clearly, but it really lands.

The whole thing feels like a time capsule. You’re not just watching a movie; you’re peeking into what students in Lund were doing for entertainment almost a century ago. It’s less about a compelling narrative and more about the historical context, the sheer audacity of putting these figures together.

Some moments are surprisingly artful for an amateur effort. There’s a shot where the camera holds on a prop globe, spinning slowly, before cutting to a surprisingly elaborate costume party. It makes you pause. They actually tried some interesting things.

Then there are bits that are just plain clunky. The transitions often feel abrupt, like someone just spliced two reels together without much thought. But again, that’s part of its unique personality. It’s *imperfect* in the best way, showing its handmade origins.

The pacing is, well, it’s 1928. It moves at its own speed. Sometimes a scene will linger on a tableau for what feels like an eternity. Other times, things jump forward without much explanation. You just kind of roll with it. 🤷‍♀️

I found myself smiling a lot, not because it was laugh-out-loud funny, but because of its sheer earnestness. It doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It’s a group of students putting on a show, and they committed to it. That’s something to appreciate.

So, should you watch Erik XIV? If you’re a serious film buff, especially for silent era curiosities or student films, absolutely. It’s a fascinating, albeit brief, look at a very specific kind of filmmaking. For anyone else, it might be a bit of a slog. But for those who get it, it’s a **charming, peculiar little gem**.

It’s not going to change your life, but it might just put a smile on your face and make you think about cinema’s wild, varied past.