Daybreak (2005)

Swedish director Björne Runge directs a splendid cast in this dark drama about the destructive nature of dishonesty and betrayal. Over a fateful 24-hour period in a dreary Swedish town, three separate storylines unwind, united at times by loose connections among characters, and at other times, only by theme. Anita has been consumed by bitter rage ever since her husband left her three years earlier for a younger woman. A toxic presence to all those around her, Anita decides to take matters into her own hands, seeking revenge on her ex-husband and his new wife. Over the course of a dinner party with friends, Dr. Rickard and his wife watch their lives crumble around them, as new meaning is given to the word "betrayal." Anders is a workaholic bricklayer who doesn't understand the importance of spending time with his family until the bizarre requests of his newest clients force him to reconsider his priorities.

Standout performances among the stellar cast include Ann Petren as Anita. Petren's face says it all, each line the physical manifestation of years of anger and betrayal. Eklund's performance as Dr. Rickard is equally interesting to watch in that it is unpredictable. Just when one expects him to burst, he offers up an incredible calm. In several scenes, he simply stands there stunned, completely unequipped to deal with the consequences of his own actions. His childish expressions form a clever contrast to his adult mistakes, reminding the audience of one of the film's central themes, which is that of growing old. Despite the gloom and pessimism that ravages each of his characters, Runge's well-written script suggests that there may ultimately be hope for redemption only after reaching the bottom.