When Sebastian meets Andreas for the first time, he knows they belong together. As they weave through Stockholm’s back streets and forgotten parks, shoplifting beer from a 7-Eleven, and dancing the tango on an abandoned rooftop, their intoxicating connection takes hold. While Sebastian defies gender norms—flouting convention in his androgynous fluidity—straight-identifying Andreas becomes unable to accept his attraction to another man, as their relationship progresses. Struggling with his identity, Sebastian becomes increasingly determined to become “Ellie,” even if it means walking away from Andreas. Brimming with raw electricity, director Ester Martin Bergsmark’s mesmerizing film captures the intimacy of its subjects with an intensity and charge that is simultaneously transgressive and deeply romantic.

-Cara Cusumano

Directed by

Ester Martin Bergsmark