Let Go, the new Swedish family drama on Netflix, offers a raw and honest exploration of marriage, parenthood, and personal growth. Directed by and starring Josephine Bornebusch, who is known for her nuanced storytelling, the film brings to life a heartfelt and sometimes painful depiction of modern family life.
Bornebusch plays Stella, a woman navigating the complexities of family obligations and personal desires, while her husband Gustav, a marriage counselor, ironically requests a divorce.
This drama is more than a standard relationship tale—it’s a careful examination of love, self-identity, and the challenge of balancing personal aspirations with family responsibilities.
The Premise: A Familiar Yet Intriguing Storyline
The story centers on Stella and Gustav, a couple facing marital challenges that feel both familiar and unique. Stella, portrayed with depth and emotion by Bornebusch, is a dedicated mother and career-focused woman who finds herself questioning the path her life has taken.
Despite her dedication to her family, she’s reached a breaking point in her relationship with Gustav, who unexpectedly expresses a desire for separation. Gustav, who works as a marriage counselor, brings a professional understanding of relationships, yet ironically fails to apply these principles to his own marriage. His unexpected announcement shakes Stella, as well as their children, who are forced to grapple with the changes in their family dynamic.
At the core, Let Go addresses the universal struggles that many families face—balancing love, work, and personal growth. While Stella and Gustav’s story is set in Sweden, the themes are universal, resonating with viewers from various backgrounds. This relatability is what gives the film its power, as it paints an intimate picture of a marriage in crisis and the emotional toll it takes on everyone involved.
Character Exploration: Stella’s Journey
Stella’s character arc is central to the story, providing viewers with a look into the emotional turmoil of a woman who has dedicated her life to her family, only to find herself questioning her sacrifices. As she tries to come to terms with Gustav’s decision, Stella undergoes a journey of self-reflection, questioning what she truly wants from life beyond her role as a wife and mother. Bornebusch brings sensitivity to Stella’s character, portraying a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, constantly pulled between her love for her family and her need for personal fulfillment.
Stella’s experience is a deeply relatable one. She is forced to reconsider her values and goals, asking herself whether she has sacrificed too much of her identity for the sake of her family. The film captures the inner conflict many parents experience—balancing the demands of parenthood with the desire to stay true to oneself. As Stella navigates these challenges, viewers see her grow, gaining a sense of independence and self-worth that goes beyond her role within her family.
Gustav: A Man of Contradictions
Gustav’s character is equally compelling. As a marriage counselor, he is professionally equipped to guide couples through their challenges, yet he fails to address the issues in his own relationship. This contradiction adds a layer of irony to the story and hints at the complexity of human emotions. Gustav’s decision to seek a divorce is not driven by a lack of love but rather by a sense of dissatisfaction with his life’s trajectory. He is a character who, despite his professional expertise, struggles with his own insecurities and doubts, making him a multidimensional figure.
Gustav’s actions force Stella to confront her own feelings about the relationship, but they also prompt viewers to question the societal expectations placed on men and women within marriage. Gustav’s desire for change is both a catalyst for the story and a reflection of his internal struggles, challenging the assumption that marriage counselors are immune to the difficulties they help others overcome. His portrayal brings a sense of authenticity to the film, as viewers see him as a man grappling with his own limitations and failures.
Impact on the Children: Anna and Manne Caught in the Crossfire
The children, Anna and Manne, play an essential role in Let Go, as they are deeply affected by their parents’ decision. Their reactions offer insight into how family dynamics influence children’s emotional development. Anna, the older sibling, senses the tension and feels a responsibility to hold the family together, while young Manne struggles to understand the changes unfolding around him. Their perspectives add emotional depth to the story, as viewers witness how divorce can impact children in different ways.
Bornebusch’s direction captures the nuanced experiences of children dealing with parental separation, portraying them not just as passive observers but as active participants in the family’s story. Anna’s maturity and Manne’s innocence highlight the different ways children cope with change, adding a layer of realism to the film. The impact of the parents’ choices on Anna and Manne illustrates the complexities of family relationships and the importance of communication, honesty, and support in helping children navigate difficult times.
A Realistic Portrayal of Marriage and Growth
Let Go stands out for its honest portrayal of marriage as a constantly evolving relationship that requires effort, patience, and understanding. Rather than presenting an idealized view of romance, the film highlights the challenges that many couples face after years of shared responsibilities and changing goals. It doesn’t shy away from showing the flaws and mistakes of both Stella and Gustav, allowing viewers to see them as real people who are doing their best to navigate their own lives and roles within their family.
The film’s emotional resonance comes from its ability to capture the delicate balance between love and personal growth. As Stella and Gustav confront their differences, the story questions whether love alone is enough to sustain a marriage, or if both partners must also be willing to adapt and grow individually. The realistic portrayal of their journey offers no easy answers, leaving viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of communication, compromise, and understanding.
A Cinematic Triumph for Josephine Bornebusch
Bornebusch’s dual role as director and lead actress in Let Go highlights her talent for storytelling and character development. Her performance as Stella brings a sense of vulnerability and strength, making the character’s journey feel authentic and impactful. Bornebusch’s direction ensures that the film’s emotional beats resonate without feeling forced, capturing the subtle, everyday moments that define family life and the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed.
By focusing on realistic dialogue, relatable characters, and a compelling storyline, Let Go stands out as a poignant portrayal of a family in transition. It’s a film that doesn’t seek to provide answers but instead invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love, identity, and family. With its thoughtful storytelling and strong performances, Let Go is a heartfelt exploration of life’s uncertainties and the courage it takes to embrace change.