QUICK AND DIRTY: LIVE FROM BERLIN

The mission statement is clear: shining light on an often overlooked profession. The film starts with Sofie (Jette Søndergaard) entering her new job as a senior caregiver. She’s a friendly person, and the clients are immediately taken to her. And as the job requires, she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. Both figuratively and literally.

The opening scene of the film is Sofie’s very first visit. Sofie needs to treat an older lady with a burning red bulge on her belly. In the next scene, she has to cover the bum of a senile man because it’s sore from the constant defecation. And shortly after that, a supervisor explains how to properly clean under the foreskin of a patient. The very graphic first 15 minutes of this film make it evidently clear what is asked of a person in this profession.

Notably, none of this is presented as repulsive in the hands of writer/director Frelle Petersen. Inevitably the subject matter will cause such a reaction in some audience members, but the warmly lit scenes welcome you in rather than repel you. The camera is rarely interested in ugly side of the ailments of its subject; rather, it seeks to focus on the relationship between Sofie and her clients, who are often in free dialogue with one another during the procedures. It gives these scenes that could otherwise be perceived as very uncomfortable a much more casual feeling.

Much of the film consists of Sofie spending time at the homes for the elderly. Day after day, she visits them with little to no downtime in between. We get very little insight into Sofie’s personal life. It is her work that continues to take over. There just aren’t enough people willing to take up this profession. A lot is asked of senior caregivers. And, for better or for worse, Sofie is willing to give it all. This intriguing choice enables us to experience the gradual extinction of work-life balance for Sofie, as well as the deterioration of her mental health. This makes for a monotonous viewing experience.

One of the few pieces of information about her life outside of work is that she has a 10-year-old daughter, who lives with her ex-husband. But even that relationship is heavily strained by Sofie’s commitment to the job. This is a movie about an adult sacrificing her personal relationships, and losing herself in her job.

The elderly patients are played mostly by non-professional actors, and they’re able to lend their full authenticity to this production. These sweet ol’ Danes are just perfect for Home Sweet Home. Frelle Petersen’s firm directorial hand ensures that they give their best.

Frelle Petersen’s fourth feature film shines the spotlight on people we often forget. Plus, it’s a film about a very conventional framework. The rarely seen representation of senior caregivers and and their patients. Otherwise, this is a rather conventional movie.

Home Sweet Home just premiered in the Panorama section of the 75th Berlinale.