Sonja: The White Swan (2018)

Sonja: The White Swan is special because it refuses to polish its legend into something safe; it gives you the thrill of watching a once-in-a-generation talent burn across the screen with all the beauty and danger that implies. Ine Marie Wilmann delivers a fierce, magnetic performance that makes Sonja Henie’s ambition feel exhilarating even when her edges cut, and Anne Sewitsky frames it all with stylish, high-energy filmmaking that captures the glittering rush of 1930s stardom. The vibe is intoxicating and a little acidic—more backstage fever dream than inspirational biopic—so you’re pulled along by momentum, spectacle, and the uneasy intimacy of being close to someone who won’t stop. If you want a warm, forgiving portrait, this may not be your film, but if you’re drawn to complicated icons and the cost of refusing to leave the spotlight, it’s riveting.

Sonja: The White Swan wants to be a sharp, unglamorous look at how a once-in-a-generation athlete burns through fame, money, and people in the chase for more spotlight. The problem is it often feels like a checklist of rise-and-fall moments rather than a story with a real emotional hook, so Sonja can come off as cold without the film giving you enough insight to understand her beyond the diva behavior. Big, complicated subjects (including the more controversial parts of her legacy) are raised and then brushed past, which can leave you feeling like you watched the highlights but missed the point. If you’re after a deeply illuminating biopic or a satisfying character study, this may frustrate you—but if you can tolerate uneven pacing for a stylish, performance-driven portrait of ambition and self-destruction, there are things to appreciate.