Trouble (originally Strul), directed by Jon Holmberg, is a Swedish action-comedy that landed on Netflix on October 3, 2024. The movie stars Filip Berg as Conny, a clumsy electronics salesman who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. Combining elements of slapstick humor, prison escape antics, and crime caper twists, Trouble aims to entertain audiences with a quirky plot, though it struggles to maintain consistency in tone and pacing.
Plot Overview
The film follows Conny Rundqvist (Filip Berg), a divorced man working extra shifts as a salesman to provide for his daughter. His mundane life takes a chaotic turn when he stumbles into a murder scene while installing a TV at a customer’s home. Mistaken for the murderer, Conny is arrested and finds himself in prison, where he is identified by inmates as a pilot—an identity he must humorously maintain to survive and escape. What ensues is a series of madcap adventures as Conny tries to prove his innocence, find the missing phone that holds crucial evidence, and escape prison while navigating a criminal conspiracy.
Performance and Characters
Filip Berg shines as the hapless Conny, delivering a performance that balances dry humor with the character’s endearing cluelessness. His portrayal of a man caught in the wrong place at the wrong time brings both laughs and sympathy, as he blunders his way through a plot filled with absurd situations. Eva Melander, known for her role in Border, plays the formidable antagonist, bringing a solid presence to the film, while Amy Deasismont and Joakim Sällquist round out the supporting cast with notable performances.
The film thrives on its quirky ensemble, particularly the interactions between Conny and his fellow inmates, Norinder (Dejan Čukić) and Musse (Joakim Sällquist). Their comedic timing provides much-needed levity during the film’s darker moments, offering a blend of slapstick and deadpan humor that keeps the audience engaged.
Direction and Tone
Jon Holmberg’s direction is a throwback to classic 1980s comedy, filled with sped-up montages, over-the-top physical comedy, and exaggerated zoom-ins that echo a bygone era of slapstick cinema. The film’s first half is loaded with setup, leaning heavily into exposition and comedic bits that establish Conny as a well-meaning, bumbling protagonist. However, while the film gets off to a lighthearted start, the pacing can feel uneven, particularly as it shifts between its comedic and serious tones.
As the story progresses, Trouble transforms into a fast-paced escape film, complete with chase scenes and daring prison breakouts. This tonal shift from silly to serious may confuse viewers at times, as it oscillates between comedic escapades and moments of genuine tension. Despite these inconsistencies, the film manages to hold attention, particularly during its action sequences and unexpected twists.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, Trouble explores themes of mistaken identity, bad luck, and the lengths a father will go to for his child. Conny’s primary motivation throughout the film is to do right by his daughter, a touching sentiment that grounds the otherwise absurd narrative. His attempts to navigate a world filled with corruption, both inside and outside prison, offer a comedic critique of institutional incompetence, as seen through the bumbling police officers and inept legal system.
The film also plays with the concept of how easily one can be swept into chaos when control is lost. Conny’s life is turned upside down in a matter of hours, and his constant missteps emphasize the randomness of fate. The movie encourages viewers to suspend disbelief as it rolls out a series of increasingly improbable events, from a mistaken pilot identity to an almost-magical prison escape.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The greatest strength of Trouble is its ability to keep audiences entertained with its blend of action and comedy. The prison break sequence, in particular, is a highlight, offering a combination of tension and humor that’s well-executed. Berg’s performance adds to the film’s charm, and his comedic timing keeps the audience rooting for him, despite his many blunders.
However, the film’s weaknesses lie in its pacing and tone. The first half of the movie feels slow, with too much time spent on setting up Conny’s misadventures. The constant tonal shifts—between slapstick humor and serious, crime-thriller elements—can be jarring, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the narrative. Additionally, some of the plot points, particularly the endless twists, feel overly far-fetched, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief to keep watching.
Conclusion
Trouble is a fun, if flawed, action-comedy that manages to entertain despite its uneven pacing and tonal inconsistencies. With Filip Berg’s standout performance as the hapless Conny, the film offers plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments, though its reliance on exaggerated plot twists may alienate some viewers. For those who enjoy quirky, chaotic comedies with a touch of action, Trouble is a breezy watch. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s an amusing ride for anyone looking for a blend of laughs and thrills.
Final Verdict:
3.5/5 – Trouble offers a lighthearted romp through bad luck, mistaken identities, and prison breaks, but its uneven pacing and tone may leave some viewers feeling, well, troubled.
