The Night Train (2020)

👉Full movie at end of the post

The Night Train (Nattåget) is a 15-minute Swedish short film directed by Jerry Carlsson, exploring themes of desire, identity, and fleeting connection. The narrative centers on Oskar (Erik Nilsson), an 18-year-old traveling home after a job interview in Stockholm. During his journey, he locks eyes with Ahmad (Khalil Ben Gharbia), a French teenager en route with his parents to an undisclosed Swedish destination. This brief encounter ignites a shared longing, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of unspoken emotions. 

The film delves into the complexities of youthful desire and the internal conflicts that accompany it. The confined space of the night train serves as a metaphor for the characters' emotional constraints and the intimacy of their connection. Director Jerry Carlsson reflects that the film revisits a personal memory that redefined his sense of self, emphasizing the significance of moments that challenge one's identity. The narrative is marked by its subtlety, relying on visual cues and minimal dialogue to convey the depth of the characters' emotions.

Erik Nilsson's portrayal of Oskar captures the character's internal turmoil and yearning, effectively conveying the nuances of a young man grappling with his desires. Khalil Ben Gharbia complements this with a performance that reflects Ahmad's own complexities and the unspoken bond between the two. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, with their brief interactions leaving a lasting impact, underscoring the film's exploration of connection and longing.

Carlsson's direction, combined with Marcus Dineen's cinematography, creates a visually compelling narrative that enhances the film's emotional depth. The use of lighting and framing accentuates the characters' isolation and the intensity of their encounter. The film's pacing allows for a meditative exploration of its themes, drawing viewers into the intimate world of the characters. The setting of the night train becomes a character in itself, embodying the transient nature of the connection between Oskar and Ahmad. 

The Night Train premiered at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival and has since been featured in various international festivals, including the Valladolid International Film Festival and the Alcine Festival de Cine de Alcalá de Henares. The film has been lauded for its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and its ability to evoke deep emotional responses within a brief runtime. Critics have praised Carlsson's direction and the performances of Nilsson and Ben Gharbia for bringing authenticity and depth to the narrative