By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/23/24 – Life’s choices are rarely straightforward, and that sentiment resonates deeply in Malin Ingrid Johansson’s poignant short film, Deck 5B. The story follows Mia (Alma Pöysti), a recently divorced mother eager to dive into a new romance. Yet, the path to love is fraught with complications, particularly as her young son grapples with the emotional fallout of their family’s separation. The film raises profound questions: Where is the fine line between human desire and selfishness, especially for parents? What happens when the pull of responsibility clashes with the yearning for personal fulfillment?
Viewers meet an excited and hopeful Mia, eager to embrace the new adventures that life has in store for her and her son. The real story behind this short film, inspired by the director’s own experiences, adds an intriguing “director’s cut” backstory. Johansson recalls, “I saw this woman outside of my car window when I was going to an Island outside of Sweden called Gotland. This woman drove up next to me, her cheeks blushing as though she couldn’t help it. She ran out of the car, kissed a guy very passionately, with kids in both of their cars respectively. When we were driving off of the ferry, the mood completely shifted. She did not show her face to the children in the backseat, but I could see her from where I sat. The woman stared out in front of her as if all of her dreams had left her and she had silent tears running down her cheeks. And I was like, what happened after only a few hours? So that was the spark, curiosity. I also had to dig within myself, what was it in me that made this image stick within me? I have probably been both in the front seat and back seat of that car, you know.”
Click below for our exclusive interview:
As the talented director explains, audiences encounter Mia in a very different state of mind than during her initial introduction. Parents frequently contend with difficult choices that lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt, emotions that are reflected in many of Mia’s mannerisms throughout the film. Malin shares, “It’s hard to be a human; I believe freedom comes with a price very often. I believe falling in love passionately is not a choice. I believe you are allowed to follow your heart and put yourself out there. Of course, as a parent you have a responsibility for others so it’s very tricky!”
Sweden, 2024
From a visual perspective, Deck 5B promises to dazzle audiences as the short takes place on an authentic Swedish Ferry! Johansson states, “Shooting on a ferry boat with its own timetable and other passengers is of course an extra layer to the planning for the film. We also shot it in November in Sweden, which means very few hours of daylight. But, with a beautiful team and beautiful help from the ferry boat we managed. We had 4 days of shooting, 2 of those days we really wanted to capture the real thing so we shot with all of the other passengers, and then 2 days we were on an empty boat where we could control the setting more.”
Deck 5B masterfully explores the complexities of love and parental duty, illustrating the emotional struggles faced by individuals in the wake of significant life changes. Johansson’s thoughtful direction, combined with Pöysti’s nuanced performance, captures the delicate balance between pursuing personal happiness and fulfilling responsibilities to loved ones. The film invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of longing and sacrifice. Ultimately, it is a reminder of the intricate layers that define human connection and the choices that shape our lives.
