Swedish Horror Film 'Hemmet' Offers a Chilling Exploration of Aging and Dementia

Swedish director Mattias J Skoglund's horror film "Hemmet," based on Mats Strandberg's bestselling novel, delves deep into the unsettling fears of aging and dementia. Set in the Ekskuggan dementia care home, the narrative centers on Monika, a retired widow played by Anki Lidén, who undergoes a profound transformation following a stroke. Her son Joel, portrayed by Philip Oros, returns to his hometown as Monika's condition rapidly deteriorates.

The film harnesses a naturalistic style and minimal dialogue to create an eerie atmosphere where porcelain figures and stuffed animals sharply contrast the grim reality faced by the residents. Strange, disturbing events suggest that something from Monika's past is haunting her, intensifying the film's chilling tone. Tóti Guðnason's haunting score further heightens the tension.

Critics praise the film for intelligently balancing horror elements with compelling drama, strongly highlighting Anki Lidén's pivotal performance that captures her character's confusion and malice. Skoglund's direction earns acclaim for its visual style and ability to craft genuine scares, marking "Hemmet" as one of the standout Swedish horror films and a remarkable adaptation of Strandberg's work.

However, some reviews note that the film's slow pacing and understated storytelling may leave viewers wanting a more explosive horror payoff, resulting in a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion despite its atmospheric strengths. Nonetheless, "Hemmet" powerfully addresses the themes of identity loss and the horrors of aging through a unique cinematic lens.