THE EMIGRANTS

SWEDEN

Director:  Erik Poppe

Cast: Lisa Carlehed, Gustaf Skarsgård, Sofia Helin, Laurence Kinlan, Diana Bermudez, Tove Lo, Florin Zhang

Genre: Historical Drama

148 minutes – Swedish with English subtitles – 2021

Driven by hope, bound by love.  Based on the acclaimed 1949 literary classic by Vilhelm Moberg, and a remake of the 1971 film of the same name, The Emigrants is an epic period drama about a poverty-stricken family who emigrates from Sweden to the United States in the 1800s.  Erik Poppe’s direction is superb, accompanied by gorgeous cinematography and soundtrack, but importantly, this interpretation is now being told on film for the first time from a woman’s perspective, as we follow Kristina’s journey of both discovery and self-discovery. 

Countless challenges await as the family looks for a second chance in life, in a promised land that does not always meet their expectations.  It’s about a quest to find a place of belonging, a questioning about where and what is home. Ultimately, like the stories of migration in our current era, it’s about a journey of hope. For brave-hearted mothers everywhere.  

Powerfully told story of 19th-century Swedish migrants delivers a fresh, honest take on their arduous path with thoughtful film-making and an especially fine performance from Carlehed, whose character is the anchoring consciousness of the movie.

Leslie Felperin, The Guardian

Good craftsmanship and skillful acting make the overall experience absolutely worth watching.

Eric Diedrichs, Filmtopp

Erik Poppe puts the focus on the women in his sensitive and stimulating adaptation of Vilhelm Moberg’s acclaimed novel.

Kaleem Aftab, Cineuropa

A poignant yet timeless story about who we are, where we belong, and how far we are willing to go to save our children and achieve our dreams.

Scandinavian Film Festival