Småstaden

In the small Swedish town of Ödeshög, Lena works in a local convenience store and struggles with financial difficulties and a strained relationship with her teenage daughter, who is involved in petty crime. Lena finds solace and a sense of purpose in an unlikely friendship with a former police officer, which leads her to confront her own past and the difficult choices she faces for her family's future.

Småstaden received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its grounded portrayal of working-class life and its nuanced exploration of family dynamics and social issues in rural Sweden. The performances of the lead actors were frequently highlighted as a strong point, contributing to the film's authentic and moving narrative.

• Praised for its realistic depiction of everyday struggles and quiet desperation.
• Commended for strong performances, particularly from Ylva Gallon as the central character.
• Noted for its sensitive handling of themes like poverty, motherhood, and community.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's relatable characters and its honest portrayal of life in a small town, resonating with viewers who appreciated its emotional depth and understated storytelling.

Nominated for the Dragon Award Best Nordic Film at the Göteborg Film Festival (2017).

The film was the directorial debut of Rojda Sekersöz, who also co-wrote the screenplay.