WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Reliance. Assurance. Credence. Trust. So often, it requires a large amount of faith and established proof to truly gain this from someone, much less to extend it back to them. This is even more evident when a situation involves entering into a commitment to watch over someone precious to another. Responsibility then takes on a whole new meaning. Facing this exact situation, caregiver Jocke (Emil Jonsson) accepts the task of watching over the mentally disabled daughter of a doting father, Kjell (Per Ragnar).
Coming home one particular evening, however, Kjell is suddenly struck with a terrible notion in regard to Jocke, brought about by pictures and words presented on several pieces of paper, all written or drawn out by his daughter. Putting on a calm yet increasingly hostile demeanor, Kjell begins to question Jocke about the nature of his involvement with the girl, leading to guiltless but no less inflammatory admissions by him about her. The more Jocke pleads innocent to the sudden charges of sexual assault Kjell accuses him of, the tensions rise to boiling point, and a vindictive father’s motives turn dark.
Next, my Mind:
Swedish actor Jonsson makes his directing/co-writing/producing debut via this 14-minute dramatic thriller that assuredly delivers a strong message with wholehearted conviction and intent. Addressing the film’s candid themes by immersing the viewer squarely in the midst of an exceptionally awkward and highly volatile encounter between a protective parent and a young man being blamed for acts not even committed, the narrative is riveting, emotionally charged, and executed with a subtly building, anxiety-ridden, anger-filled atmosphere, leading to a convincing and markedly effective finale. Additionally, the film’s sparse music score and “what’s not seen, but inferred” sequences only add to the agitated state of affairs shown.
Jonsson does a fine job here as the hapless caregiver Jocke, giving him the pleasant, “regular guy” vibe and dedicated work ethic one would expect for a person with his job description. Jonsson also presents him as someone who, despite the intimidation factor he faces in Kjell, stands firm in the face of accusations with no merit, regardless of how it looks based on the “evidence” he’s confronted with. Likewise, Ragnar is absolutely excellent as the resentful and unforgiving father, Kjell, whose honest love for his disabled daughter is clouded by what he sees as complete and utter betrayal of confidence. Ragnar enacts his character’s rising ire with a calm, calculated, escalating glower, genuine in precision and purpose.
In summary, “The Best Of Intentions” illustrates the ramifications of choices made, the irreproachability of those decisions in the eyes of those involved, and the dangers present when mistrust and misunderstanding in light of incomplete facts or flat out wrong assumptions take their toll on someone’s conscious. It’s a cautionary tale, and an exceptional one at that.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
