Den osynlige

Plot synopsis:
Niklas (Gustaf Skarsgård) is a poet who wants to go to a school to develop his talents, while his mother wants him to follow in his family's footsteps and become something completely different from his dreams. He plans his escape and buys a ticket out of town to go to a special school in England, which he's been saving up for by writing papers for students in the school.
His best friend is getting picked on by the school bully, Annelie (Tuva Novotny), a rather violent young girl who is often neglected. She gets caught stealing and comes to believe that Niklas snitched on her. Her gang beats up Niklas' friend until he lies and says that it was Niklas that told everyone, thinking that Niklas has already gone to England. The gang tracks down Niklas and nearly beats him to death. The next morning Niklas walks out of the forest without a scratch on his body and seems a little unnerved. When he gets to school, everyone is ignoring him and he can't figure out why. He realizes that he is invisible after he throws a book at the wall, and the book stays in its original spot. He can touch and move things, but the second he looks back, the object is back in place. The twist occurs when a bird dies by flying into a window, and Niklas recognizes that he is still alive, but dying in the woods. Annelie finds out that it was actually her boyfriend who snitched on her because she didn't want to give him his part of the stolen things.
Niklas is left helpless as he watches his mother and the police hunt for his body. His friend commits suicide over the event and leaves a letter for his parents and the police, who eventually find Niklas' body, which by this stage is lifeless and on the very edge of death. The film ends with Annelie admitting to the crime, turning herself over to the police and turning off Niklas' life support so that both are free.

Tags: murder

Review:
Great film, instantly a favourite.
Being from Australia, not much news of Swedish films reach our shores.
It looked interesting, so I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did.I absolutely adored this film.
From the outset I found the main actor, Gustaf Skarsgard, very intriguing.
I was surprised to find out this was his first major film role, he handled it perfectly.
Never over the top, never underwhelming, just right.I didn't pick the twist up in this film right away.
The feeling you get when it dawns just drums up the excitement and tempo of the film, when you suddenly realise that yes, there is something at stake here.I also loved the very unHollywood ending.
This film turned all those cliches about - characters you were meant to hate were ones you ended up feeling the most for, and the 'friend' who you usually feel sympathy for ends up doing nothing but drawing out your anger.
It's rare that the real villian of a piece (especially a female one) becomes a sort of hero towards the end, and it can be confusing.
But for me it worked well, and added real dimension to what would have otherwise just been a good film, not a great one.The combination of great acting, real emotion and the eventual twist (or two) it what makes this movie so brilliant for me, and an instant favourite.
Very solid budget film..
I was bored a night several weeks ago, when this movie turned up on a channel when I flicked by.
And am I glad I watched it until the end.
The story is very beautiful, sad, heartbreaking and emotion-gripping at the same time.
It is amazing what the performers and the directors created out of such a small budget.The most amazing part in the movie for me, was still how cunningly you start having good feelings for the villain.
Small, subtle changes and all of a sudden, you feel really sad for the "wrong" character.All in all, a movie worth watching, even for those of you who don't like subtitles, since you can still feel the characters strongly through their voice tones and body language..
Niklas who soon will be graduating high school is a talented writer who dreams are truly fulfilled when he's invited to intend a interview in London where his writing aspirations can be realised, but his mum has no idea about.
When his mum does finds out, Niklas is torn between either staying or leaving, but he finally goes with the latter.
Walking home one night after a party he's set upon by a group thugs from his school, who heavily beat him up and leave him for dead in a ditch.
The next morning he goes off to school on his supposedly last day, but what becomes clear is that no one can see him and he slowly learns that he's a ghost who can only watch on, as the authorities try to figure out what happen to him.Ideas might be running short in Hollywood, but it's not the trend in this Swedish fantasy-drama that's powerfully moving without being overly wretched.
Like fellow users have mentioned the strong aspect about this story is how the cards play out, especially that of certain characters.
You can't help but feel sorry for those ones you think that you'll hate and vice versa.
I've got to take my hat of to the young cast; Gustaf Skarsgard as the very promising Niklas and Tuva Novotny as the hard nosed delinquent Annelie are exceptionally good.
The concept behind the story might not be new, but the cleverly defined presentation was definitely refreshing and it did put out many questions that folded out rather intriguingly and lead to some surprising advancements.
It does start off like your glum (if basic) teen high school fare where you have your good and bad students, but then it breaks the mould when it heads into its fantasy territory, but still it does keep that raw edge.
After the death of Niklas we follow (just like he does when he finds out he can't interfere) the police investigation of his disappearance and we see that of emotional developments; why certain people hide behind images they create and see people learning when its best to let go, which makes the whole experience even more depressingly, down trodden.
Stuck in are some brutally violent and arrestingly intense moments that come from nowhere and give the story some biting attitude mixed in rather well with the wholesomely, heart-felt moments.
The production does feel like a TV movie but these glossy elements are silkily done with great verve in its direction and the films moves along in a rather snappy pace.A emotionally, touching fantasy-drama that's beautifully implemented with excitingly, different results..
One feature that can make or break a movie is the director's ability bring the movie to life, while the other is the actors ability to portray the character in order to bring life to the movie.This story is a mix of both emotion and drama and the greatest quality of any movie is how the director can effectively change the way you may see a character whereby one minute a character can be so hated and despised while the next you may feel a bit of sympathy for them, which in this case is the character Annalie played by Tuva Novotny.Gustaf Skarsgard who plays Niklas is also another actor that also be respected and admired for his strong performance which really brings out the best in this movie.This is the first and probably the only Swedish movie I have seen to date and it was a worth while experience, a highly recommended movie that I think everybody should see..
A film that will touch your heart....
I absolutely adored this movie as well.
I was fortunate to see it when it premiered in Chicago at the Siskel Film Centre.
I had a chance to see it with subtitles since I am still learning Swedish.The imagery that this film gives you will leave a lasting impression.
It is very graphic but that is the pain, the tears, and anger in the film that gives off the imagery.The main actors did such a splendid job that I felt that with such a tough storyline that they wouldn't be able to do it but they performed flawlessly.
This film is a definitely must see!
I managed to get a copy of the DVD but it didn't have English subtitles but actions speak louder than words in this movie.
I've never felt the urge to comment on any film in my life...
although this film moved me in a way that doesn't equate in words.
What appeared as a simple movie, quickly became a masterpiece of dialogue, emotion and acting that as a teenager echoed deeply.
I could relate to its main character and the last 30 mins had me sitting on the edge of my seat and wishing it would be a Hollywood ending!!!
It might not be a movie for everyone, but for me I can say it will have to be one of the best movies I have ever seen and tomorrow I am going straight into town, to search for the DVD..
I am a fan of the film, a fan of the director and a fan of the actors!!
Its rare you find a film that can touch you, but this one did...
A must see if your a fan of a movie with a bit of brains and a lot of ummphf!!.
Swedish film generally remains in stating the obvious and sticking to the conventions of the time, but then there are those rare exceptions, reaching an unforeseen level.
A splendid achievement by the team Bergvall and Sandquist in their first full-length movie.A couple of years ago they got an Academy Awards nomination in the short film category, for 'Victor', also on the grave theme of death.
'Invisible' is based on a novel by the Swedish writer Mats Wahl, a mighty storyteller.This story is indeed mighty.
A high school senior, bound by his mother's high expectations, is beaten up brutally, due to a misunderstanding, by a delinquent girl of his age, and left for dead.
When he comes to school the next day, he finds that everybody ignores him, as if he had become invisible.
Soon, he realizes that he really is.This slight ingredient of the paranormal, makes the story rise to a mythical magnitude, and the film makers, as well as the actors, manage to keep it there, to explore the grand perspectives suddenly appearing.
Still, the very concrete psychological drama continues, and intensifies.It all amounts to one formidably gripping experience, not easily forgotten.
There are, of course, clear links to 'Sixth Sense' and a number of other movies about the mysterious borderland between life and death, and the necessity for our lives to reach some kind of conclusion, some kind of harmony, before passing on.If searching for them, one can find some small weaknesses - like the unnecessary presence of a gun, or the inability of the dialogue to deal with those profound existential questions - but that's easily forgotten in the very touching and beautiful whole of the film, and more so after its uncompromising and magnificent ending..
Never really getting anywhere because the closest I could get to watching it was a YouTube video without subtitles (FYI I don't speak Swedish, which is why a review of this hasn't been submitted earlier), I then was at the end of my rope (tried everything), finally I saw it (not a day went by without me thinking about seeing this).Gustaf Skarsgård's acting is one to be admired.
My reasoning is that I saw him in Evil and this (2 completely different roles) and both of them very convincingly.
But it's not like he was the only person that was convincing, Tuva Novotny was also very good as well...
for a fact I haven't seen a cast this good since Harjunpää ja pahan pappi, that is saying a lot.The movie is actually one of the best foreign films that I have seen (Yes this includes the Bergman movies), it was a very entertaining and moving film from beginning to end (especially "end").
The characters are human in such a way that one minute you hate a character, then the next minute they're liked by the viewer...
The way they do it is incredible.For those whom have seen this and refuse to see the remake I will say something that will shock you with my ratings: Original: 10/10 Remake: 9/10 Yes guys - I think this is a superior movie - but I think the remake is also very good..
One of the best Swedish movies I have ever seen!!!.
The girl acting as a villain in this film is incredible.
From the beginning of the movie, she is hated by everyone.
I hated her, too as I saw her in this film.
She is lovely at the end!!!!
I will remember her name and expect her upcoming films in the future.
By the way, the leading actor is really great, too.
Certainly he is one of the most talented Swedish actor nowaday.
Anyway Osynlige, Den is really a great movie.
Watch this original one and skip the remake..
Mediocre - for a Swedish film.
It could easily have been a youth-related crime drama with the same ideas and elements - but without the invisibility twist.
insensibility, under which conditions etc.) and lead to the fatal, but rather trivial and expected ending.
Apart from Gustaf Skarsgård as the protagonist Niklas, I found the other frequent actors not catchy.
If you would like to see a real masterpiece on related topic, I would recommend Ghost (1990) with Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg..
Without revealing too much or nothing at all, let's just say that the theme is a big classic of the fantasy cinema but we are presented here with a completely new twist and it works so wonderfully; with no money the director chose another road and it's amazing; I saw it at the Brussels fantasy film festival and I should have congratulate the director; and to add even more pleasure to the vision of this movie , we don't have a Hollywood-feel-good-everybody is happy ending, thats so good and different!.
Had to come back another time to give something more of an in-depth comment on the movie instead of sounding like someone who can see no wrong with this movie- so here goes.There is a lot that I like about this movie such as the insight of character that the actors portray and, if you haven't seen it and are going to, you will understand me then.I also like how the director has given a new vision into what may be when someone goes into a comatose condition- adding to the fantasy aspect of the movie.
Within this is added to the humour, surrealism and drama- when Nicklas tries to commit suicide as a ghost only to realize that he hasn't been able to pick up the shotgun or when he gets run over by a truck only to realize that nothing has happened (surrealistic humour); when he throws Annelie off the building only to realize that he couldn't possibly touch her and when he finds his own decaying body after a few days of him missing (surrealistic drama) complete with flies buzzing around beginning to feed and nest.The movie shows an exaggeration of nonconstructive high-school relations, but presents it very well- enough to have the audience sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for the next move.The movie has an ending that catches the audience somewhat off-guard and is enough to leave them in tears- very effective.But, even though I am now a fan of this movie, it would have been GREAT to see Gustaf Skarsgård (Nicklas) either naked by himself or showering with another cute guy (the only bad thing about the movie).
;)Overall, this is an exceptional Swedish film that just goes to show that every once in a while, movies from other countries can actually OUTSHINE their American counterparts..
Incredibly Captivating Film.
The only thing I didn't like about watching this movie was missing the first few minutes!!!
I'd found it while I was flicking channels on 03/09/2004 to S.B.S. I HIGHLY recommend this movie for anyone who likes to watch subtitled movies.
The film plot is more of a plus.
I have tried buying this movie even though I don't have a multi region DVD player- just as long as I can own it- The DVD player can wait.
If there is anything I could hope for is that this movie can be made in English so everybody can see it, as long as it is word-for-word and acting is exactly the same.
What would be even better is if the actors of the movie learn English and do the movie all over again so it can be sold mainstream internationally.
This movie is one of a kind..
The best swedish picture ever!!!.
I got to see this film at a the absolute premier..so the directors where there too.
They were nominated for an oscar for best short picture in 2001.
Now they have made there first long film.The movie is mostly about a boy named Nicklas.
But nicklas wants to go his way..but it's like he's invesable(the name of the film is "the inveceble") but he's about to be totaly invecible.
When he gets beat up by the school gangster, a girl, he becomes inviceble.
He's stuck in a state between life and death.
and he tries to find his body.This is a VERY good movie..I think it will be oscar nominated next year.
If you are not swedish speaking and want to see a very goodmovie(that your friends probably never will see) down load or in some way see it.
It's a great movie from start to finish.(if you've managed all my spelling so far, then you can take the time to see the film).
This film was a complete surprise for me.
I expected something nothing like it, rather a normal Swedish film, grey, theatrical dialogue and bad camera, but was I wrong!This film is something very new in Swedish film.
It captures the very best of earlier Swedish films but adds something completely new.
Not seen in films from anywhere to tell the truth.
A kind of magic that sometimes is a component in real life, but seldomly is captured in films.
Of coarse this film also contains a lot that is not to be found in ordinary life, at least not as clear as here...It touches something seldom seen in films, the very essence of reality and consciousness.
And for what reasons?Some things is elegantly left out of the pictures, like questions of good and bad, love and hate.
The are pictured though, but in a way that needs no further explanation.
The film doesn't give any answers, only give rise to many questions...Thomas Hedengran and Tuva Novotny are doing great things in this picture.
Gustaf Skarsgård is okay to, perfectly adequate actually, but the role does not, and should not, give space for larger performances.Highly recommended.First half better than last though.../ino.
This movie is nothing like Friday the 13th.
**Possible spoiler ahead** I had the opportunity to see this movie at a film festival last summer and I was blown away.
The acting was great & the ending heartbreaking, it is by far the best movie I've seen in way too long.
A movie to quickly forget.
The next morning, it is like he is being invisible for everyone.
He soon realizes that he is dead (I guess he watched "ghost" or something) but sticks around to find out why he was killed and whether the crime will be solved.Most of the movie after that is about the aftermath of the killing between the people involved.