Movies: When in Rome (2024) by Niclas Bendixen: A Melancholic Stroll Through Love, Memory, and the Eternal City
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
Rediscovering Love Amid Ancient Stones
When in Rome (original title: Rom) is a tender Danish-Italian-Swedish co-production that explores marriage, memory, and the bittersweet longing for youth. Directed by Niclas Bendixen and written by Bendixen, Kristian Halken, and Christian Torpe, the film follows Gerda (Bodil Jørgensen) and Kristoffer (Kristian Halken) as they travel to Rome to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. The trip takes an unexpected turn when Gerda encounters Johannes (Rolf Lassgård), her former teacher and lover, prompting a journey of self-reflection. Shot on location in Rome, the film immerses viewers in the romantic yet complex atmosphere of the Eternal City, balancing nostalgia, humor, and melancholy.
Why to Recommend Movie: A Mature Meditation on Marriage
A Story for Mature Audiences: The film speaks directly to viewers interested in nuanced explorations of long-term relationships, reminding us that emotional growth doesn’t stop in midlife.
Stunning Location Cinematography: The film uses Rome’s streets, piazzas, and hidden corners as a character in itself, bringing warmth and visual depth to Gerda’s emotional journey.
Powerful Central Performance: Bodil Jørgensen delivers a layered portrayal of a woman confronting who she was and who she has become, offering a performance that is both grounded and quietly powerful.
Romantic Complexity: The movie doesn’t shy away from the complications of marriage, desire, and memory, offering a realistic portrayal rather than a fairy-tale resolution.
Cultural Reflection: The multilingual dialogue and international cast give the film a cosmopolitan feel, appealing to lovers of European cinema.
Each of these elements creates an emotional and thought-provoking experience, making the film resonate beyond its seemingly simple premise.
Where to watch: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0FP56J18Z/ (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/rom (Spain)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27123082/
About movie: https://reinvent.dk/catalogue/wheninrome/
What is the Trend Followed: Introspective Relationship Dramas
When in Rome is part of a growing trend of European films that focus on relationships later in life, blending romance with existential reflection.
Focus on Older Protagonists: Similar to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or 45 Years, it puts characters over 60 at the center of the story, exploring their inner worlds.
Return-to-the-Past Narratives: Like Before Midnight and La Chimera, the film uses travel as a way for its characters to reflect on past decisions and lost possibilities.
Slow-Burn Emotional Storytelling: The film favors subtle dialogue and quiet moments over dramatic twists, reflecting a trend toward realism in European romantic dramas.
This trend offers audiences a contemplative escape from high-concept blockbusters, reminding us that love stories are not reserved for the young.
Director’s Vision: A Love Letter to Rome and Reflection
Blending Past and Present: Niclas Bendixen carefully balances Gerda’s nostalgia with her current reality, allowing the city of Rome to mirror her internal conflicts.
Focus on Female Perspective: The narrative prioritizes Gerda’s emotional journey, placing her self-discovery at the center of the film rather than focusing solely on her marriage.
Intimate Visuals: The director favors close-ups and naturalistic lighting to emphasize character emotions, creating a sense of authenticity.
Tone of Gentle Melancholy: Bendixen crafts a tone that is both warm and wistful, ensuring the audience feels the weight of memory while appreciating the present moment.
The result is a film that feels deeply personal while also universal, a meditation on memory, love, and second chances.
Themes: Memory, Marriage, and Selfhood
Nostalgia and Regret: Gerda’s journey through Rome is as much about reconciling with her younger self as it is about enjoying her anniversary trip.
The Complexity of Commitment: The film explores how even the most enduring marriages can contain moments of alienation, temptation, and rediscovery.
A Woman’s Search for Identity: The story presents Gerda’s longing for her lost artistic ambitions, asking whether it’s ever too late to reconnect with a past passion.
Time and Transformation: Rome, with its layered history, becomes a metaphor for Gerda’s own layered identity — old and new coexisting.
These themes deepen the film beyond a simple romantic drama, inviting audiences to reflect on their own lives and choices.
Key Success Factors: Why the Film Resonates
Bodil Jørgensen’s Performance: Critics have singled out her ability to convey vulnerability, warmth, and quiet strength in a way that carries the entire film.
Authentic Roman Setting: The on-location shooting immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of Rome, enhancing the narrative’s romantic and nostalgic tone.
Character-Driven Narrative: The focus on Gerda’s emotional state gives the film an intimacy that makes it stand out among other travel-themed romances.
Balance of Humor and Drama: The screenplay includes moments of levity that prevent the film from becoming overly heavy, offering a bittersweet charm.
These factors contribute to the film’s ability to feel both intimate and cinematic, an experience both heartfelt and picturesque.
Awards & Nominations: Recognition for Intimacy and Craft
The film has received 5 nominations across Scandinavian and European film awards, including nods for Best Actress (Bodil Jørgensen) and Best Cinematography. Its visual use of Rome and its sensitive script were particularly highlighted by critics.
Critics Reception: Mixed but Thoughtful Praise
tildiz149 (User Review): Praised the exploration of Gerda’s past and the setting, noting that the film felt heartfelt but could have benefited from flashback scenes to deepen the narrative.
FrankBuckster (User Review): Criticized the film for relying on clichéd romantic tropes and lacking fresh emotional depth, though acknowledged Jørgensen’s efforts to elevate the material.
Nordic Film Journal: Called it “a tender meditation on love and memory” and praised its quiet, patient pacing.
Cineuropa: Praised its visual beauty and mature subject matter, calling it “a heartfelt and thoughtful portrait of marriage under the shadow of time.”
Overall Summary: Critics are divided, with some finding the narrative too familiar, while others praise its quiet depth and Jørgensen’s commanding central performance.
Reviews: Audience & Festival Feedback
Audience Response: Scandinavian viewers appreciated its meditative pace and its honest portrayal of long-term marriage, though some international audiences found it too slow.
Festival Screenings: Screened at Göteborg Film Festival and received a warm response for its intimate tone and performances.
Discussion Points: Conversations focus on the film’s ending, which some see as empowering and others as ambiguous, sparking debate about whether Gerda’s journey was truly resolved.
Movie Trend: European Intimate Family Dramas
When in Rome follows the tradition of European dramas focusing on late-life love and self-discovery. It embraces the growing appetite for nuanced, character-driven stories set against real-world backdrops, inviting viewers to explore emotional complexity rather than just plot twists.
Social Trend: Aging, Love, and Self-Rediscovery
The film aligns with broader social conversations about later-life independence, female agency, and the emotional challenges of aging within a marriage. It reflects a trend of giving older women protagonists space to explore their own desires and unresolved dreams.
Final Verdict: A Quiet, Beautiful Reflection
When in Rome is not a film of big revelations or melodramatic twists — it is a quiet, contemplative journey through memory, love, and rediscovery. With its atmospheric setting, nuanced performance from Bodil Jørgensen, and subtle storytelling, it is best enjoyed by those who appreciate slow-burn relationship dramas with emotional honesty.