Two worlds. One love.|Sep. 08, 2021|Sweden|90 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Adventure;Drama;Kids;Music;Romance
Description: “JJ Plus E,” released in 2021, tells the story of John-John (Mustapha Aarab) and Elisabeth (Elsa Öhrn), two teenagers from contrasting backgrounds. While Elisabeth leads a life of leisure, enjoying midnight swims and tranquil days by the bay, John-John and his friends engage in theft and mischief, including stealing boats for joyrides. Their worlds collide when John-John saves Elisabeth’s younger sister, Patricia, from drowning. Despite their differences, they discover they attend the same theater school, sparking an unlikely connection.
Elisabeth, still grieving the loss of her mother, initially tries to distance herself from John-John. However, their bond grows stronger as they rehearse for a school performance and explore the city together, falling deeply in love. Their relationship faces challenges when John-John finds himself in a difficult situation, threatening to drive them apart permanently.
The film excels in its portrayal of young love and the complexities of growing up. Elsa Öhrn delivers a standout performance, radiating a natural charm reminiscent of Anna Chlumsky and Florence Pugh. She effortlessly captures Elisabeth’s emotional depth, whether she’s sulking at home, showcasing her acting talent, or experiencing the joys of first love.
“JJ Plus E” avoids the pitfalls of typical teen dramas, presenting a realistic and grounded narrative. The film immerses viewers in Stockholm, making it feel like a familiar neighborhood, while John-John and his friends resemble kids everyone has known. As the story intensifies, the sense of authenticity remains, ensuring the emotional moments resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact.
Cast director: Alexis Almström
Cast actor: Elsa Öhrn, Mustapha Aarab, Magnus Krepper, Marika Lagercrantz, Simon Mezher, Loreen, Albin Grenholm, Jonay Pineda Skallak, Elsa Bergström Terent, Otto Hargne
Original name: Vinterviken 2021