Watch Becoming Astrid

Becoming Astrid is a biographical drama movie that tells the true story of the Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren, the creator of the beloved Pippi Longstocking character. The movie was directed by Pernille Fischer Christensen and premiered in 2018. The story takes place in the early 1920s, in Vimmerby, Sweden. Astrid is a carefree teenager who dreams of escaping from her strict religious family and becoming a writer. She falls in love with the handsome and charming newspaper editor, Reinhold Blomberg, who is ten years older than she is. Astrid becomes infatuated with him and, despite her parents' disapproval, they start a secret affair.

One day, Astrid receives an offer to work at the local newspaper, and she decides to leave home and move to Stockholm to pursue her dreams. She promises Reinhold that she will return soon, but things don't go as planned. In Stockholm, Astrid takes a job at a children's magazine and starts writing stories for children. Her talent is soon recognized, and she is offered a position at the publisher Rabén & Sjögren.

Meanwhile, Astrid discovers that she is pregnant with Reinhold's child. She is torn between her love for Reinhold and her career aspirations. When Reinhold faces a difficult decision, Astrid has to make a choice that will change her life forever.

Alba August delivers a remarkable performance as Astrid Lindgren, portraying her with strength, vulnerability, and authenticity. Maria Bonnevie also shines as Astrid's mother, who struggles to accept her daughter's choices. Trine Dyrholm delivers an emotional performance as Marie, Astrid's mentor and friend.

The movie is beautifully shot, capturing the Swedish countryside and Stockholm in the 1920s. The production design and costumes are also impressive, transporting the viewer to a different time and place.

Becoming Astrid explores themes such as love, loss, family, and creativity. It portrays the challenges that women faced in the 1920s, especially those who wanted to pursue a career in a male-dominated field. Despite the obstacles, Astrid perseveres and becomes a successful writer, inspiring generations of children with her stories.

Overall, Becoming Astrid is a touching and inspiring movie that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most beloved authors of children's literature. It is a must-see for fans of Astrid Lindgren and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted biographical drama.

Becoming Astrid is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 71.