✅ Stolen (2024) is a powerful Swedish drama about a young Sámi woman fighting to protect her indigenous heritage and community from xenophobia and reindeer poaching.

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5.7/10

Stolen

Director: Elle Márjá Eira

Writer: Peter Birro, Ann-Helen Laestadius

Stars: Martin Wallström, Dakota Trancher Williams, Elin Oskal

Plot: A young woman's struggle to defend her indigenous heritage in a world where xenophobia is on the rise, climate change is threatening reindeer herding, and young people choose suicide in the face of collective desperation.

Countries: Sweden

Languages: Swedish, Saami

IMDb: View on IMDb

Stolen (2024) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Stolen (2024) (Swedish: Stöld)
• Language: Sámi, Swedish
• Budget: Not Disclosed / Not Reported
• Revenue: Not Disclosed / Not Reported
• Runtime: 107 minutes (1 hour 47 minutes)
• Release Date: April 12, 2024 (Netflix Release)
• Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
• Cast: Elin Kristina Oskal (Elsa Stuorbma), Martin Wallström (Robert Isaksson)…
• Directors: Elle Márjá Eira
• Screenplay: Peter Birro (Based on the novel “Stolen” by Ann-Helen Laestadius)
• Story by: Ann-Helen Laestadius (Novel)
• Studios & Producers:
  • Production Companies: Kolibri Productions, Netflix
  • Distributor: Netflix
  • Producers: Khalil Al Harbiti, Ann-Helen Laestadius (Executive Producer), Kaisa Palo (Executive Producer).
• Voice Cast: N/A
• Animation & Style: Live-action

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Stolen” is a gripping drama set in the Sámi community of northern Sweden. Nine-year-old Elsa, a Sámi girl, witnesses the brutal poaching of her beloved reindeer, Nastegallu, but is terrified into silence. Ten years later, as an adult, Elsa finds herself fighting to defend her Indigenous Sámi heritage in a world increasingly threatened by xenophobia, climate change impacting reindeer herding, and the desperation that leads young people to suicide. With local police failing to protect the community from the escalating hate crimes and the relentless targeting of their sacred reindeer herds by the same poacher, Robert Isaksson, Elsa is forced to take matters into her own hands. The film intricately weaves together themes of justice, cultural identity, environmental threats, and the resilience of a community struggling against modern-day prejudices and indifference.

Cast & Crew

Directed by Elle Márjá Eira, “Stolen” features a predominantly Sámi cast, with Elin Kristina Oskal delivering a powerful performance as the adult Elsa. Martin Wallström portrays the menacing poacher Robert Isaksson. The screenplay was written by Peter Birro, adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by Ann-Helen Laestadius. The film was produced by Khalil Al Harbiti, with executive production by Ann-Helen Laestadius herself and Kaisa Palo, ensuring an authentic portrayal of Sámi culture and struggles.

Critical & Audience Response

“Stolen” has received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for its poignant thematic depth and strong performances. Critics lauded its authentic portrayal of Sámi culture and the pressing issues of xenophobia and climate change. Elin Kristina Oskal’s leading performance has been highlighted as tremendous. While some found the pacing of the thriller elements to be familiar or occasionally slow, the film’s overall impact as a drama exploring indigenous struggles against modern challenges was widely appreciated. Audience reception has also been largely positive, resonating with its raw and emotionally honest storytelling.

Direction & Cinematography

Elle Márjá Eira’s directorial debut is commended for its sensitive and authentic approach to the Sámi experience. She effectively weaves cultural details into the narrative, making the struggles of the community palpable. Ken Are Bongo’s cinematography is a standout feature, capturing the stark beauty of the Swedish tundra and utilizing the isolated locations to heighten tension and loneliness, creating a visually compelling and atmospheric film.

Music & Background Score

The film’s music, composed by Lasse Enersen, contributes significantly to its emotional depth and suspense. The background score effectively underscores the film’s themes, from the tragic loss of reindeer to the tense confrontations, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overpowering the narrative.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Stolen” relies on its stunning natural visuals and authentic depiction of reindeer herding rather than extensive special effects. The emphasis is on realism and the harsh beauty of the environment, which serves as a powerful backdrop to the human drama. The visual storytelling reinforces the film’s commitment to portraying the realities faced by the Sámi community.

Editing & Screenplay

The screenplay by Peter Birro, adapted from Ann-Helen Laestadius’s novel, is praised for its tight narrative and its ability to intertwine a thriller plot with profound cultural and social commentary. Kristofer Nordin’s editing maintains a focused narrative, building tension and allowing the emotional weight of the story to resonate, making the film both gripping and thought-provoking.

Positives / What Works

“Stolen” stands out for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of Sámi culture, a subject rarely explored in mainstream cinema. The film’s strong performances, particularly Elin Kristina Oskal’s lead role, and its stunning cinematography are major assets. It effectively addresses serious themes like racism, environmental threats, and intergenerational trauma without being preachy. The film’s ability to create a sense of quiet dread and desperation through its mood and setting is also a significant strength.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Some critics noted that the film, while emotionally engaging, occasionally falls into familiar thriller tropes, and its pacing might feel a bit slow for those expecting a high-octane suspense film. While the reindeer murders are central to the plot, animal lovers might find some scenes difficult to watch. The narrative could have benefited from a slightly more explicit depiction of the resolution of certain conflicts to provide greater closure.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Stolen” is a powerful and essential film that transcends the typical thriller genre by offering a deeply human and culturally rich narrative. It’s a compelling watch that combines a gripping story of revenge and justice with a profound exploration of Indigenous struggles, xenophobia, and the impact of climate change. With its strong performances, evocative cinematography, and important social commentary, “Stolen” is a significant contribution to both Nordic cinema and global indigenous storytelling, making it a highly recommended watch for those interested in meaningful and authentic dramas.

Movie Rating

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