Aayush Sharma
Originally titled ‘Ett ärligt liv,’ ‘An Honest Life’ is a Swedish mystery drama that chronicles the journey of a young man named Simon, who is excited to begin the next chapter of his life. He goes to Lund, Sweden, with great anticipation as he takes admission to the law school. However, he realizes that law school is nothing like he had imagined. Things change quickly for him when he meets Max, a young anarchist woman, during a protest. The duo starts spending time together and gets to know each other as Max introduces him to her lifestyle, which is full of deception. However, when he understands the full weight of his actions, the damage is already done, and there’s no turning back. Based on the novel of the same name by Joakim Zander, the thriller primarily focuses on themes such as class, betrayal, and the allure of a life unbound by rules.
An Honest Life Filming Locations
The principal photography began in Sweden in October 2023, and seemingly went on throughout the fall of the same year, making use of the region’s moody seasonal backdrop. Speaking in an interview with Film Updates, Simon Lööf said, “It’s weird because it’s been so long since we started filming. After you’ve done shooting, it’s in you for a little while, but after two years, you forget about it.” Viewers familiar with a place like Lund might be able to spot iconic locations in the city, which is a part of Skåne province in the Elongated Country.
Lund, Sweden
The movie is extensively shot in Lund, located at the southern tip of the Venice of the North. The cast and crew set up camp in and around the city, with Lund University being the primary location for taping. Lund University is an iconic landmark known for its historic architecture and its vibrant student life that breathes a lot of energy into the city. With Simon being a law student in the film, the varsity becomes an important location for the narrative because it represents his conflict. Initially, he thinks that pursuing law would make him feel good, but things change quickly, and he realizes that it was nothing like he expected it to be.
Speaking about the thriller being shot in and around Lund University with Variety, Anna Anthony, head of the Swedish production banner FLX, noted that she was really happy that they got to tape such an enthralling movie at the aforementioned university. She said, “I love that it is set in and around Lund University: the September light, brick walls covered in Boston ivy, infatuation, betrayal, questions of right and wrong, morals, class, and a protagonist straddling the gap between adolescence and adulthood.”
Lund serves as an important character for the storyline because it mirrors Simon’s journey. The quiet streets and historical structures conceal the tension, secrets, and shifting identities that define his path. Sweden has been a popular filming destination for years now because of its stunning locations, financial incentives, and experienced crews. Whether the studio wants to show modern cityscapes or historical landmarks, Sweden is filled with places that would add depth to the project’s storyline. Apart from ‘An Honest Life,’ titles such as ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,’ ‘Independence Day,’ ‘Young Royals,’ ‘Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire,’ and ‘The Breakthrough’ have been lensed in the nation.
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