Kevlar Soul

Big brother Alex, who tries to hold the family together, and younger brother Robin, who keeps testing boundaries, live in a suburb of Eskilstuna, Sweden, with their violent, unpredictable father. The brothers’ everyday lives begin to derail when Robin gets into a motorcycle accident and meets twinkling-eyed Ines in the hospital. Although Robin is the first to take interest in her, Ines is more drawn to Alex, and soon a romance starts to blossom between them. As Alex, who had to grow up too soon, starts to soften and allow Ines to get closer, the brothers’ lives tragically begin to drift apart.

The film’s original title Kevlarsjäl is borrowed from a song by the alternative rock band Kent. Kevlar is lightweight, strong, and impact-resistant fiber used in, for example, bulletproof vests. That impact resistance is needed, as the film’s characters navigate harsh conditions and grim fates. At the same time, there is also lightness and warmth in their relationships. Kevlar Soul is the debut feature by Maria Eriksson-Hecht, who has previously received acclaim for her short films.

Nelia Naumanen