Set in the late 90s, Ellen and her new husband Van decide to take Ellen’s older sister Inger on a bus trip to Paris where Inger once lived. Inger is schizophrenic, and lives in a care home coddled by her overprotective mother. Ellen sees their holiday as an opportunity to reconnect, and to find out if Inger might be able to live more independently. Inger herself has a hidden agenda for the trip – hoping to track down a lost love.
Rose is based on director Niels Arden Oplev’s own family history and is full of feeling. Sofie Gråbøl’s performance is the film’s highlight. She inhabits Inger, bringing her to life and presenting all her complications, impulses and anxiety with grace.
Carried by a brilliant lead performance from Sofie Gråbøl, it’s a fine depiction of mental health and a heartening espousal of our shared humanity.