Slim Susie

Running time: 101 mins

In the tradition of Trainspotting and Pulp Fiction, Slim Susie is a "gangster comedy," set in a rural Swedish town with an assortment of original oddballs. For years, Erik has lived in Stockholm, after moving away from his dull hometown where it wasn't even possible to see a film all the way to the end. Now, he returns to his boyhood home upon discovering that his younger sister, sweet, innocent Susie, is missing. But home is not what it used to be; it is far from what Erik remembers. ErikÕs best friends from school have turned into wannabe gangsters - one being a druggie who arranges Stanley Kubrick festivals and makes pornos starring himself and the local policeman's wife. Additionally, the eccentric residents of the town seem to know a lot more than they are letting on, and Erik soon realizes that nothing is as it appears, both in the town and the facts surrounding SusieÕs past. Through a brilliant combination of straight narrative and flashbacks within flashbacks, director Ulf Malmros creates a roller coaster ride filled with heaps of humor and action. With superb performances by Kjell Bergquist, Tuva Novotny (one of SwedenÕs hottest actresses) and Jonas Rimeika, as well as a cast of truly memorable townsfolk, friends and neighbors, Slim Susie will keep you baffled and laughing hysterically at the same time. - Sandy Wolf