2/10/2020 - A Bluebird in My Heart (2018) - 5+/10

Møller, one of my favorite up-and-coming intl actors, isn’t given a ton here unfortunately. He is put in the aloof, disengaged from society, violent loner, aka the Gosling role. The movie is just a little too plodding and emotionally stagnant, despite its brief moments of intensity. There was room for depth of emotional connection between all the main players, but we only get fleeting glances and faint possibilities - spending more time letting those grow instead of focusing on routine and ambiance would have delivered a more fulfilling story finish.

I want Møller to do so much more. I have said this before, but I see him as a Danish Idris Elba. There is a gravitas, physicality, and steely allure to him. I first saw him in the excellent Land of Mine, but he is slowly creeping into more things like Atomic Blonde. I was happy to see him here, but his wings were a bit clipped, though he provided the necessary elements for what he was asked. Le Lann, playing the daughter, and Baetens, playing the mother, excel when given the chance. Their moments are punchy and strong, both being talented actresses, but they just have rare opportunities here. (You can also see Baetens do a marvelous job in the Oscar nominated short from this past year A Sister)

It’s fairly standard and not extraordinarily flashy in any way, but it is solidly watchable and it does provide a primal itching to engage with it. I liked it, but it could have used a little more everything else and a little less dish washing.