November 1520 saw an extremely brutal and inequitable event that took place under the rule of King Christian II of Sweden. This event was known as the Stockholm Massacre or The Stockholm Bloodbath. The bloodbath, if you will, was a consequence of conflict stemming from pro-unionists(in favor of the Kalmar Union) and anti-unionists (Swedish supporters of independence). In a meeting with King Christian II, Archbishop Gustav Tolle accused Sten Sture the Younger and his supporters of heresy. Thus, over 100 people were executed following said meeting despite promises of amnesty.
Initially premiering at the Lucia Movie Night on December 12, 2023, and released in Sweden on January 19, 2024, Stockholm Bloodbath follows similar events as those stated above. Reaching a broader audience, on November 8th Brainstorm Media released the film On Demand and in select theaters in the US. Directed by the Oscar-Nominated Mikael Håfström (1408 2007, The Rite 2011), it also includes an exceptional cast; Sophie Cookson (Kingsman: The Secret Service 2014, Infinite 2021), Claes Bang (The Square 2017, The Northman 2022), Alba August (Becoming Astrid 2018, The Rain series), Mikkel Boe Folsgaard (The Royal Affair 2012, The Rain series), Jakob Oftebro (Kon-Tiki 2012, Agent Hamilton series), and Emily Beecham (Daphne 2017, Guy Richie’s The Covenant 2023).
This bill of talent involved, Stockholm Bloodbath follows two sisters (Sophie Cookson as Anne and Alba August as Freja) who seek revenge on the men who brutally murdered their family during a brutal and deadly war that turns extremely bloody under the tyranny of the mad King Christian II (Claes Bang as Kristian Tyrann). Labeled an Action/Comedy/History by IMDB and rated R for strong violence, grisly images, and language, these feats are strongly present throughout the film. Though some have mentioned that the Comedy aspect seems lacking, others say that the specific time frame is not exactly on par with some of the modern filthy language. However, it is not exactly meant to be a historically accurate or overly dramatic film. It is quite brutal, weird, and grotesque though… and at times it has a bit of that good ole comedic relief if you are paying attention.
Treading lightly for the naysayers here, Stockholm Bloodbath also has great camera work. With this in mind, one interesting concept that Håfström incorporates into the film is split screens. Though it is only at the beginning of the film, it reads like a comic strip with introductions of certain characters. Though this might not be a particular style that too many would like, the split screen is done very professionally and it is easier to follow along with than others.
Furthermore, Alba August as Freja, is a complete badass in one of her “successful revenge” scenes. Granted the story is not just about one of the sisters, it is about a collective of characters and how they play off of one another. Some might be confused about who the main star of the movie is. Although, it is obvious from the trailer, the film cover, and the synopsis…two sisters who want revenge during the Stockholm massacre…Easy enough? There is so much happening at once during an all-out war, so of course there will be more characters.
The brutality may be a bit much for some, but then again, who does not like a good head-chopping scene in medieval times? Some may find the ending unsatisfactory, however, successful revenge is likely to upset many that expect forgiveness to outweigh the grudge. Considering this, Stockholm Bloodbath states that “some” of the events happened, therefore, when all is said and done, the end is the end.
Not a film for everyone, if you are expecting historical accuracy or humor akin to 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail, then you are more than likely not going to like this one. Stockholm Bloodbath was not made to be the greatest film in existence, but it is still a damn good one. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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