Ninna (2019)

### **Review: *Ninna* (2019) – The Danish Comedy**

**Score: 7/10**

*Ninna* is a warm, gently humorous, and distinctly Danish character study that blends light comedy with poignant drama. It tells the relatable story of a mother, Ninna (Susanne Juhász), whose life revolves around her son Dennis and their small-town existence in Præstø, where she works at the local takeaway. Her carefully ordered world is upended when Dennis announces his plans to move out upon turning 18, triggering a heartfelt and often funny crisis.

**What Works Well:**

* **A Relatable, Well-Drawn Protagonist:** Susanne Juhász delivers a grounded and sympathetic performance as Ninna. She captures the quiet desperation and deep, sometimes stifling, love of a single parent facing an empty nest. Her journey of self-reflection feels authentic.
* **Charming Small-Town Atmosphere:** The film effectively uses its Præstø setting to create a cozy, insular world that feels both comforting and confining, mirroring Ninna's own emotional state.
* **Balancing Humour and Heart:** The film succeeds in its core aim: addressing serious topics like loneliness, parenthood, and letting go, while treating them with a light, humorous touch. The comedy stems from Ninna's often misguided but well-intentioned plans to reclaim her life and her son.

**What Holds It Back:**

* **Predictable Narrative Arc:** The story follows a very familiar dramatic path. The emotional beats and the ultimate resolution of Ninna's journey are telegraphed early on, offering few surprises.
* **Gentle to a Fault:** While pleasant, the film's comedy and drama rarely escalate beyond a gentle simmer. The stakes feel low, and the conflict lacks sharp edges, which may leave some viewers wishing for more depth or bite.
* **Supporting Character Underdevelopment:** While the cast, including notable Danish actors like Peter Gantzler and Jesper Asholt, is solid, many of the supporting characters remain archetypes (the kind neighbor, the quirky co-worker) rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

**Verdict:**

*Ninna* is a likable, easy-going film that serves as a comforting slice of Danish life. It’s a movie about small-scale, universal problems, told with empathy and a soft smile. It won’t set the world on fire with originality or intensity, but for viewers seeking a undemanding, character-driven comedy-drama with heart, it delivers a perfectly pleasant 90-minute escape. Think of it as a cinematic *hygge*.

**Watch if:** You enjoy gentle European comedies, stories about parenthood and life transitions, or light character studies.
**Skip if:** You seek high-stakes drama, sharp satire, or a plot with unexpected twists. This is a film of familiar comforts, not thrilling surprises.

**Director:** As per the TMDB data, this 2019 Danish film was directed by **Hans Fabian Wullenweber**.