In today’s constantly connected world there is something appealing about getting away to a place where life is still simple and people relish in its little pleasures. It’s no wonder then that baker Meg Ray, owner of San Francisco’s highly regarded Miette pastry chain, found herself drawn to the tiny island of Rödlöga in the Swedish archipelago. Comprised of quaint cabins with only a small market and café, each of which have the island’s only limited running water and electricity, it’s about as far from modern life as one can get without living in a cave and, like this movie, it’s incredibly charming.
The first year she arrived on the island, Meg discovered Café Truten and was immediately compelled to help out. Offering her services for free she adored her time there and is now back once more to manage it for an entire eight-week Summer season. With her staff of local teenagers, she begins to prepare the shop, encountering a variety of issues (both expected and otherwise) while using her time there to reconnect with nature and reflect on her own upbringing. Her perfectionist nature butts up against the sometimes-severe limitations of the environment, but she pushes through them as she tries to set up the shop for future success and grow as a person.
While primarily focused on Meg’s compelling personal journey, Sweet Störy is also about Rödlöga itself. Populated only in the middle of Summer, the island is made up of people and families who make the ferry trip out there every year to enjoy the peaceful and friendly atmosphere. Spending their time in quaint cabins in which they dine by candlelight (made easier by the near 24 hours of sunlight the region receives at that time of year) and must hand pump their water from wells outside, with no Wi-Fi or TV and only spotty cellular service, the visitors find it an ideal escape. Thanks to the adoring photography of filmmakers Sarah Justine Kerruish and Matt Maude as well as additional cinematographers V K Jarrett and Cameron Jaimes, many viewers will probably agree (though some will likely balk at the necessity of outhouses).
Even those who don’t come away from Sweet Störy with a desire to visit Rödlöga for themselves will still be charmed by the movie. Calling for all of us to slow down a little, disconnect once in a while, enjoy the world around us, spend more time with friends, meet new people, take the time to learn something we love, and always be open to growth the film is almost overflowing with positive messages that feel more important than ever. So come for the luxuriant shots of fresh baked pastries, stay for the life lessons, and take a little piece of Rödlöga home with you. ★★★★
not rated. contains some language.
Find out where to watch the movie here.
★★★★★ = Excellent | ★★★★ = Very Good | ★★★ = Good | ★★ = Fair | ★ = Poor
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Look forward to watching this film when it is more widely released.
It just premiered at the Sonoma International Film Festival last night, but hopefully it won’t be too long before it sees wider distribution!
Just saw at Orcas Island Film Festival with Meg Ray Q&A. Incredible story and journey. I want to be Meg when I grow up.