Mending Hugo's Heart


Mending Hugo's Heart is a 2017 Swedish dramatic comedy film written and directed by Helena Bergström. The film follows Hugo, a university student left directionless by the tragic death of his girlfriend Agnes, after he somewhat accidentally joins a financially struggling circus troupe led by Casall. It premiered on 20 October 2017 and received negative reviews from critics.

Plot

University student Hugo is devastated by the death of his girlfriend, talented young violinist Agnes. While cycling to visit her grave, he crashes and is knocked unconscious. He wakes up in a wagon belonging to Casall, the leader of a down-on-their-luck circus group. Using his background in economics, he begins to help them get their finances in order and in the meantime grows closer with the eccentric circus ensemble, especially the stable girl Anna.

Cast

Production

The film was written and directed by Helena Bergström. She wrote her first draft of the script in 2010.
Filming began at the end of January 2017. It was primarily filmed in Ulricehamn and Gothenburg. For the project, a large tent was constructed north of Ulricehamn.

Release

It premiered on 20 October 2017.

Reception

Mending Hugo's Heart received 1/5 stars from in Dagens Nyehter. She criticized the film's "strangely tone-deaf" and cliché treatment of suicide and femicide. It was panned by Björn Jansson in Sveriges Radio and given 2/6 stars by Sebastian Lindvall in Svenska Dagbladet. also gave the film a negative review, although she cited von Brömssen's performance as especially effective.