5.6/10
Senior Film Conservator

A definitive 5.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Flickorna från Gamla sta'n remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a thing for vintage Stockholm aesthetics or just want something that doesn't demand you think too hard, you’ll probably have a decent time. It’s light, breezy, and very much a product of its era. If you need tight pacing or modern tension, you’ll likely find yourself checking your watch before the first twenty minutes are up.
Watching Flickorna från Gamla sta'n felt like digging through an old box of postcards in an attic. There’s a specific charm to the way these characters navigate their tiny apartment in the Old Town. It feels cramped in a way that’s almost cozy, even when the dialogue gets a little too stagey for comfort.
The interactions between Karin and Inga are the heartbeat here. They have that old-school chemistry that feels practiced but sweet. Sometimes they talk over each other in a way that feels surprisingly real, and other times it’s like they’re waiting for a cue that never quite arrives.
The cinematography really shines when it steps outside into the narrow, cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan. You can almost smell the damp stone and the coffee. It’s worlds apart from the frantic, polished look of things like Mixed Nuts, which has a different kind of energy entirely.
There is a moment about halfway through where the plot just sort of... drifts. It stops focusing on the roommates and starts following a side character for way too long. It’s a bit jarring. Still, it’s hard to stay mad at a movie that looks this dedicated to being pleasant.
I found myself thinking about how much films like Arme, kleine Eva handled their domestic dramas with a bit more grit. Here, everything stays safely within the lines. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean you won't be surprised by where the story lands by the time the credits roll.
It’s a bit of a relic, honestly. If you’re into the history of Swedish cinema, it’s a required watch. If you’re just looking for a fun Friday night flick, it might feel a bit like homework. ☕️

IMDb —
1918
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