As a lifelong cinephile with a penchant for the intricate and thought-provoking, I can hardly contain my excitement for “The Wednesday Club.” Growing up in the heart of Finland, I’ve always been captivated by our rich storytelling traditions and the raw talent that emerges from our creative community.
Welcome to “The Wednesday Club,” where even good friends hide dark secrets.
The movie, aiming for a 2026 production, will be helmed by Zaida Bergroth (from the film “Tove”) as director, with Ville Virtanen and Birthe Wingren writing it. Notably, Virtanen is an accomplished actor recognized from Netflix’s “Bordertown,” and he will next appear in Klaus Härö’s upcoming drama titled “Never Alone.”
Set against the backdrop of Helsinki in 1938, on the brink of World War II, Kjell Westö’s acclaimed novel unfolds. The patrons of a distinguished gentlemen’s club find themselves divided by Hitler’s actions, experiencing both fury and admiration.
Gathering in lawyer Claes Thune’s office are some of his old friends. As they chat, Matilda Wiik, the new secretary, suddenly recalls a familiar voice from her past. During the Finnish Civil War, she endured unimaginable horrors that she has strived to erase from memory. Unbeknownst to her, she now finds herself in close proximity to her tormentor once more.
“Oskari Huttu, a producer at Helsinki-based Lucy Loves Drama, stated that Kjell Westö is highly respected as an author in Finland and is considered something of a living legend,” (paraphrased)
“This project is significant for us; it’s not just any collaboration, but one with Zaida. It’s an incredibly ambitious endeavor, a ‘natural’ pan-Scandinavian co-production. We will be filming in Swedish, and there’s already a lot of buzz from international actors about being part of it.”
The “smartly suspenseful drama” is set to be showcased at Haugesund’s Nordic Co-Production Market during the New Nordic Films industry gathering. This production will also offer a fresh hurdle for Bergroth, who is well-known for the 2020 Tove Jansson biopic, “The Good Son,” and “Miami.” (Paraphrased from your original statement)
“Previously, my work centered around detailed character explorations. In this new project, you’ll find a dynamic ensemble of childhood companions and a captivating female protagonist. However, it also incorporates the classic mystery format of ‘whodunnit’. This is actually a fresh approach I haven’t attempted before,” she openly acknowledged.
Regardless of its historical backdrop, “The Wednesday Club” provokes thoughts that are both disquieting and relevant for today.
“I want it to feel close to us. As close as possible,” promised Bergroth.
In her view, the only viable method is to infuse the film with personal touch and ownership. She finds a striking resemblance between the narrative and current times, particularly the proximity of conflict, which she finds intriguing as it reveals how easily we can disregard principles, even those concerning human rights. Her statement was followed by a reference to a recent law in Finland that permits turning away asylum seekers at its eastern border with Russia, a decision that left her concerned and uneasy.
“What are we prepared to give up? It’s a challenging question, but especially when considering our country’s security, it’s crucial to think clearly. This film is particularly captivating because we can’t tell where exactly in history we find ourselves now and where they were then.”
Huttu commented, “The contemporary feel comes from these bold aspects, avoiding the antiquated sensation often found in period pieces. Instead, it’s a depiction of friendships characterized by ongoing political debates, reflecting the discord we observe in society today.”
“I hail from a town often referred to as ‘Finland’s Skinhead Hub.’ Life there was primarily defined by an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality. I found myself pondering over how I picked a side. If I were in Europe during the 1930s, with the information available at that time, which group would I have aligned myself with?”
Their torn protagonist Matilda, pondering revenge, will also need to make up her mind.
“If danger arises, responding with more violence might seem like an obvious choice. Yet, what course of action will she take? Huttu playfully inquired, as Bergroth seeks wisdom from a renowned master of subtlety.”
“Filmmaking was significantly influenced by Alfred Hitchcock for her when she started out. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to work with his style now, it presents a fresh type of challenge that carries great significance,” she remarked.
“This tale seems relatable to many, as we’re witnessing a global surge of nationalistic sentiments. While it’s rooted in a specific locale, its themes are truly widespread and transcend borders.”
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2024-08-19 14:17