Watch Details

Details (Detaljer) is a 2003 film that portrays a slice of life of several interconnected people who are all struggling with similar issues, such as loneliness, despair, uncertainty, or disappointment. Through a series of vignettes, the movie explores the nuances of their relationships, the intricacies of their emotions, and the complexity of their identities, weaving together a mosaic of raw human experiences that oscillate between humor and tragedy, hope and despair, connection and disconnection.

The film begins with a man named Micke (played by Jonas Karlsson) who wakes up one morning to find out that his girlfriend has left him without any explanation. As he tries to make sense of this sudden breakup, he starts to reflect on his own faults and insecurities, realizing that he has been unable to take responsibility for his life or to communicate his feelings to his partner. In a desperate attempt to cope with his pain, he reaches out to a phone sex worker, who tries to soothe him with her words, but also exposes the emptiness and superficiality of their encounter.

While Micke struggles to move on from his past, another man named Ove (played by Michael Nyqvist) faces a different kind of challenge - the fear of losing his job and his sense of purpose. Ove is a middle-aged man who works as a security guard in a shopping mall, but he feels ignored, neglected, and undervalued by his colleagues and his superiors. He is also haunted by the memories of his dead mother, who used to be his only comfort and support, but also his burden and torment. As Ove tries to confront his fears and find a new direction in his life, he meets a woman named Anette (played by Rebecka Hemse) who works in a health food store and shares his passion for organic food and holistic healing. Anette is a kind, caring, and empathetic person who tries to help Ove overcome his anxiety and depression, and to see beyond his professional and personal setbacks. She inspires him to pursue his dream of becoming a massage therapist, and to open up to the world around him.

As Micke and Ove navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and healing, they also cross paths with other people who are searching for their own answers, such as a young couple who has lost their child, a divorced man who longs for his ex-wife, a homeless woman who seeks shelter and dignity, and a group of teenage girls who experiment with drugs and sex. Each of these characters adds a layer of complexity and depth to the film, revealing the different facets of the human psyche and the challenges of living in a fragmented and alienated society.

One of the strengths of Details is its ability to capture the nuances of human interaction through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and dialogues. The film employs a minimalist style that avoids melodrama and sensationalism, but also conveys a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The camera often lingers on the characters' faces or hands, emphasizing their emotional states or their physical actions. The actors deliver nuanced and naturalistic performances that convey the complexities of their characters' inner lives and struggles.

Another notable aspect of Details is its use of humor as a coping mechanism for the characters. Despite the bleakness and sadness of their situations, many of the characters use humor or irony to cope with their pain, to connect with others, or to escape from their reality. For example, Micke often makes self-deprecating jokes or engages in playful banter with the phone sex worker, while Ove uses sarcasm or gallows humor to deflect his insecurities or to bond with Anette.

Overall, Details is a poignant and insightful film about the human condition, the challenges of intimacy and communication, and the search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels disconnected and fragmented. It is a film that invites the viewer to empathize with its characters, to reflect on their own experiences and relationships, and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life.