A harrowing tragedy ,with avoids all the traps of melodrama: what can be worst than the loss of a child? The subject was often broached ,but never that way.
The story takes place six months after the death, and as the couple resumes their life , what is left for them is only photographs ;there won't be any flashbacks, or video films ,the usual paraphernalia .Not the easy way out. And no religion either ;only the void. The director wanted us to step into their shoes ,in a harsh way .
The neighbors try their best to help them get over the loss ,but they are as helpless as the social workers (the scene between Britt and the young student is revealing: "we 'll never give them a better life ;all they need is loving parents ")
Sofia Grabol is the most convincing as the social worker who tries to find a reason to believe in her work ,but who soon is suspected to "steal the baby from the mother"; she becomes an enemy for the mother ,abetted by her partner , even though she gets out of her way to help them. Britt's scenes with the baby are admirable.
Mikael Birkjaer matches her every step of the way (of the Cross) .He's terrific in the scene with the japanese ; on the other hand ,his brief affair with the real estate agent is conventional and predictable and is the only flaw of an excellent psychological drama.
