The Unseen World of Care

Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Home Sweet Home (Hjem kaere hjem)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Frelle Petersen
Writer(s): Frelle Petersen
Cast: Jette Søndergaard, Karen Tygesen, Mimi Bræmer Dueholm, Hanne Knudsen, Finn Nissen
Language: Danish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: shown at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: HOME SWEET HOME captures a reality people rarely see up close. It’s a quiet but powerful look at the daily challenges of caregiving, balancing professional obligations with personal struggles, and the emotional toll of being responsible for others. Focusing on authenticity and human connection, this film doesn’t need big moments to make an impact—it finds meaning in the small ones. Knowing several people who worked in nursing homes, I can confidently say that this film offers a realistic life experience. It borders on feeling like a documentary at times (in the best way possible.)

Sofie (Jette Søndergaard), a single mother in her early thirties, takes on the demanding role of a home care worker while raising her young daughter, Clara (Mimi Bræmer Dueholm.) As she moves from one house to another, caring for elderly patients in varying stages of independence and illness, the weight of the job begins to press down on her. Some of the people she cares for are still mobile, while others are in the late stages of dementia, requiring constant attention. The film doesn’t exaggerate or dramatize these experiences—it simply presents them as they are, and that’s where its strength lies. Sofie is committed to her work, offering warmth and kindness to her patients, but as exhaustion sets in, her relationship with Clara begins to show cracks.

Director Frelle Petersen understands that real life doesn’t have sweeping, dramatic arcs—it’s a series of moments that accumulate over time. His approach to storytelling reflects this, focusing on the natural pacing of Sofie’s days, her interactions with those around her, and the slow buildup of stress and emotional fatigue. The film portrays her experience honestly, from the unglamorous reality to the quiet triumphs of making a difference in someone’s life.

One of the film’s most effective choices is its use of non-professional actors, a decision that enhances its sense of realism. The performances feel unfiltered and true to life, adding to the immersive nature of the film. Rather than relying on heavy-handed dialogue or melodrama, Petersen allows the story to unfold naturally, capturing both the beauty and the difficulty of Sofie’s work. The interactions between Sofie and her patients never feel scripted; they feel like moments that could be happening in any home, anywhere. Her joy and stress are shown in equal measure.

Beyond Sofie’s daily life, the film raises broader questions about how society treats its caregivers. Home-based elder care is essential, yet it often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but it forces viewers to acknowledge the immense effort and emotional labor that go into this kind of work. It’s a reminder of the quiet, everyday heroism that exists in professions many take for granted.

The film's pacing is slow and intentional, and the observational style is authentic, allowing the audience to sit with the emotions it evokes. It’s a film that trusts viewers to engage with its themes on their terms without spoon-feeding its message.

HOME SWEET HOME is a testament to Petersen’s skill as a storyteller. His ability to find depth in simplicity and craft a film that feels universally relevant makes for a compelling experience. This film lingers in the small moments—the quiet struggles, the fleeting connections, and the everyday realities of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. It’s an understated but deeply affecting piece of cinema that resonates long after the screen fades to black.

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[photo courtesy of ZENTROPA ENTERTAINMENTS3, TRUSTNORDIK]

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