Veronica Maggio Makes Film Debut in Romantic Drama '7 steg'
Veronica Maggio stars in and co-writes '7 steg', a romantic drama exploring love's complexities, marking her first film role with mixed critical responses.
- • Veronica Maggio makes her acting debut in '7 steg', co-writing the screenplay with director Andreas Öhman.
- • The film follows Elle and Josef's love story, featuring locations such as Paris, Stockholm, Seoul, and Härnösand.
- • The narrative explores different stages of love, inspired by films like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'.
- • Critical reviews praise the film's ambition but point to weaknesses in character development and Maggio's acting experience.
Key details
Swedish singer Veronica Maggio has taken a bold step into acting with her debut in the romantic drama '7 steg', which premiered on October 17. The film, co-written by Maggio alongside director Andreas Öhman, centers on the complex love story of Elle, played by Maggio, and Josef, portrayed by Joel Spira. It follows the couple's romantic getaway in Paris, which takes a mysterious turn when Elle disappears, spurring Josef to unravel the depths of their relationship across diverse locations including Paris, Stockholm, Seoul, and Härnösand.
The film embodies an ambitious narrative exploring different stages of love, employing Elle's changing hair colors as a visual motif to represent varying emotional phases. Drawing inspiration from films like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Lost in Translation', '7 steg' combines humor and serious dramatic elements in a high-tempo, playful style aimed at revitalizing Swedish cinema.
Maggio, a renowned singer with eight albums including her latest 'Sciura' released earlier in October, expressed excitement about bringing her musical exploration of love into a cinematic shape. Her collaboration with Öhman began seven years ago and involved multiple script revisions to find the right tone, initially resembling the TV series 'Vita lögner'. Joel Spira, who has been engaged with the project for years, brings his acting experience to the male lead and shares a playful rapport with Maggio during promotions.
However, critical reception noted that while the film’s storytelling was bold and innovative, the performances — notably Maggio’s — sometimes fell short in emotional depth and character development. Some dialogue was considered immature, highlighting the challenges Maggio faced in transitioning into acting. Despite these critiques, '7 steg' is recognized for breaking away from conventional narratives and offering a fresh perspective on love and relationships.
Both lead actors acknowledge the learning curve and express hope for future collaborations, with Maggio hinting at continuing her journey in film. The project stands as a significant cultural moment, marking a promising, if imperfect, entry of a celebrated music artist into Swedish cinema.