Helene Schjerfbeck (1862-1946) was one of Finland's most successful artists and a pioneer in Finnish modernism. When it became clear in 2018 that the film about her would be made, a hot debate arose in the country as it would be made in Finnish.

Critics thought it was a story distortion and invisibility of the Swedish-speaking minority, but director Antti Jokinen told Culture News that critics should wait until they see the result. According to him, the actors would not speak exclusively Finnish and Schjerfbeck's Finnish-Swedish background would be clear. The result?

- If you do not know that she was a Finnish Swede, it will probably remain a well-kept secret throughout the film. It is entirely Finnish-speaking and it is only after the film has ended that she is referred to as Finnish-Swedish in a subsequent text, says Martina Moliis-Mellberg who reviewed the film for Finnish-Swedish daily Hufvudstadsbladet.

Delayed reception

The film has also received a lukewarm reception from Finland's other cultural sites where it is described as sluggish and overly serious, even though the photo and the protagonist Laura Birn are praised.

Martina Moliis-Mellberg thinks that too much focus is placed on aspiring artist Einar Reuter with whom Schjerfbeck is believed to have had a relationship.

- It's a pity that nobody speaks Swedish, but a bigger problem with the film itself is that it is about a woman, but the focus is quite far on a man and her assumed feelings for him.