Our Boy: A Domestic Spat in 1930s Sweden

Is it worth your time?

If you have a thing for black-and-white era marital bickering and specifically want to see how they handled 'police work' in old Swedish cinema, maybe. If you’re looking for a tight crime thriller, look elsewhere. Honestly, it’s mostly for people who like to watch people argue in 1930s parlors.

The whole thing kicks off with commissioner Holmberg and his wife Evelina going at it. Evelina is fed up with the crime rate, and she isn't shy about telling her husband he’s a lousy detective. It’s a bit exhausting to watch, honestly.

There’s a specific rhythm to these arguments that just feels old-fashioned. You know the type—loud, dramatic, and full of finger-pointing. It reminded me a little bit of the chaotic energy in The Divorce Dodger, but without the same kind of momentum.

The bedroom dynamic

Most of this happens in their bedroom. It feels claustrophobic. Not in a 'tense thriller' way, but in a 'we ran out of budget for other sets' way. You can almost hear the furniture creaking during the silences between their shouting matches.

There’s a moment where Karin Ekelund’s character looks like she’s about to lose it, and the camera lingers just a second too long on her reaction. It’s almost funny. It’s like the director told her, 'Stay mad, but don't move your face for ten seconds.'

Does it hold up?

I found myself wondering if anyone in the room actually enjoyed being a police officer. They talk about burglaries, but you never really feel the stakes. It’s all very polite and stage-like. I suppose it’s a far cry from the more rugged vibe of The Yosemite Trail, which at least had the decency to be outdoors.

The pacing is a bit weird. It starts loud, stays loud, and then just kind of ends. It’s not a film that builds to a climax so much as it just runs out of breath.

• The dialogue feels very 'written' for the stage.
• Evelina definitely wears the pants in that marriage.
• It feels like they could have solved the burglaries in five minutes if they weren't so busy arguing.

I’m not saying it’s bad, just that it’s very specific. If you’re a completist for this era, you’ll find some charm here. For everyone else, it might feel like eavesdropping on a neighbor’s argument that you weren't invited to. 🏠