A journey into the past: Exploring the complexities of “Raptures”
Unveiling a forgotten chapter
In the evocative 1930s period drama “Raptures,” director Jon Blåhed delves into the enigmatic world of the Korpela Movement, a controversial religious sect that emerged in Northern Sweden. This group, known for its apocalyptic beliefs and unorthodox rituals, including controversial sexual practices, serves as the backdrop for a story that resonates with contemporary issues.
Blåhed, who grew up in the region, was inspired by whispers of the movement he heard as a child. “It always felt a bit wrong, like something you weren’t supposed to discuss,” he recalls. This personal connection to the subject matter adds a layer of authenticity to the film, which aims to explore rather than sensationalize the past.
A personal and professional exploration
Blåhed’s journey with “Raptures” is not just professional but deeply personal. “I was forced to go to church as a kid, and I didn’t like it. It was weird, hearing your own dad talk about death and the afterlife,” he admits. This early exposure to religious dogma led him to question and eventually explore these themes through his work.
The film, produced by Andreas Emanuelsson and Tony Österholm for Iris Film AB and co-produced by Tiina Pesonen for Rabbit Films, is not just about religion. It also delves into the personal struggles of its characters, particularly the female protagonist, Rakel, played by Jessica Grabowsky.
A woman’s dilemma
Rakel faces a profound dilemma when her husband, Teodor (Jakob Öhrman), establishes a sect. As the situation becomes increasingly bizarre, she must decide whether to stand by her man, even as he believes himself to be the Savior. This conflict is particularly poignant given her strict Christian upbringing, which discourages questioning patriarchy.
Blåhed draws inspiration from his own grandmother, a Laestadian Christian revivalist. “She was timid and not very outspoken, but ultimately also a strong person,” he says. This complexity is reflected in Rakel’s character, who, despite her outward silence, engages in internal conversations with God, revealing her inner turmoil.
A stellar cast and a unique language
Blåhed surrounded Grabowsky with a talented cast of Finnish actors, including Elina Knihtilä and Golden Globe nominee Alma Pöysti. The film is notable for being the first feature shot in Meänkieli, a minority language in Sweden and a dialect in Finland. This choice adds another layer of authenticity and cultural significance to the project.
“In Sweden, it’s also political. Meänkieli is considered a ‘minority language’ there: in Finland, it’s a ‘dialect.’ Coming from that region, I knew how much it would mean to local people and I wanted to make them proud,” Blåhed explains. The decision to shoot in the region where the original story took place further grounds the film in its historical context.
A nuanced portrayal of faith and delusion
“Raptures” does not offer a black-and-white portrayal of the Korpela Movement. Instead, it explores the thin line between devotion and delusion. “Teodor is not a bad guy… And yet he is,” Blåhed muses. This ambiguity reflects the complex nature of religious movements and the varied reasons people join them.
The film’s trailer, available here, offers a glimpse into this intricate narrative. Picture Tree International’s Andreas Rothbauer notes, “Beside its historic setting, the subject is timely for today, if not timeless – with so many examples throughout history where the thin line between devotion and delusion becomes blurry.”
Reflecting on spirituality and community
“Raptures” encourages viewers to reflect on spirituality and the reasons people seek out religious communities. “They join these communities for very different reasons, with different agendas and different dreams,” Blåhed observes. This exploration of human motivation and belief is as relevant today as it was in the 1930s.
As Blåhed works on the final cut of the film, set to premiere early next year, he hopes it will spark conversations about the Korpela Movement and its legacy. “In small communities, it’s so easy for shame to linger on. You can’t shake it off. This film might bring it to the surface again, but hopefully it will be a good thing for everyone involved,” he says.
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