This film could easily be considered the Swedish equivalent of 'The Elephant Man.' While it isn’t presented as a biography or documentary, it tells a straightforward and heartwarming story, also incorporating elements of a sport not widely known outside of Europe. It marks the director's first feature film, an impressive debut after a decade of waiting to bring this project to life – something he should be proud of accomplishing. The movie might seem ordinary on the surface, particularly given its modest budget, but there’s significant effort evident in every aspect, especially from the lead actor. The story centers around Rikard, a 30-year-old man with autism and severe deformities, who faces challenges navigating society not solely due to his appearance, but because of unkindness he encounters. Throughout his life, the game of Petanque has been a constant, and his deepest desire is simply to be reunited with his mother. Driven by this longing, he approaches the championship with intense focus, hoping to win her affection. The narrative explores how far he’ll go and what journey it will take him on to achieve this goal. Despite not being a mainstream Swedish film, its lack of dramatic twists or turns is noticeable. Its strength lies in the compelling central character; however, the plot follows familiar tropes. While scenes are predictable, especially the ending, I appreciated the blend of fantasy/illusion and reality. Rikard exists within his own world, aided by a guardian angel figure and a loyal friend who supports him through adversity. Together, they strive to achieve their objectives, primarily Rikard’s return to his mother. > ❝Move the centre of the universe. It's the hardest thing to do, but also the most beautiful.❞ The screenplay could have benefitted from more engaging writing or a deeper emotional resonance, as such themes often require a strong sentimental foundation. While still suitable for family audiences, and capable of eliciting emotion in some viewers, I found it felt more like a fairy tale than truly touching – although most will likely agree the ending was appropriate. The film’s purpose and the characters' motivations were clear, though the supporting characters, such as Rikard’s mother, lacked depth. However, the way all the characters ultimately connect and converge at the end was well-executed. Regarding the sport featured in the film, it resembles a local marble game – played with small orbs using only fingers while keeping the thumb grounded. I would have liked a more thorough explanation of the rules for viewers unfamiliar with the game from other parts of the world. While I grasped the general concept, the specifics remained unclear. It’s understandable that an introductory explanation wasn't included, as the sport is integral to the story rather than its sole focus. The integration of this relatively obscure sport into the film was handled effectively. At just under 90 minutes, it’s a unique film, though there isn’t overwhelming praise to be given. Sometimes, a simple script like this is better left concluded gracefully than overextended with ambitious goals that often fall short, especially for a director early in their career. This success now allows the director to pursue larger projects and request increased funding from production companies. Ultimately, if you decide to watch it, go in without expectations. You’ve likely seen similar films before; it doesn't attempt to hide that fact, simply aiming to be a simple and meaningful drama rather than the usual meaningless content we often encounter. It isn’t essential viewing, but watching it once won’t cause any harm. _7/10_

Source on TMDB