20004.5 / 101h 48mComedyDrama

Once in a Lifetime

Mona Bergström is a sweet eurovision-obsessed woman in her 30s. She is married to a lazy husband and has four children, all named after her favorite Swedish Eurovision popstars. Her brother is a crossdressing guy self-titled "Candy Darling". Mona works in a retirement home for disabled people, where she is responsible for taking care of a young man named David who suffers a movement-restricting disease forcing him into a wheelchair. David's parents have abandoned him, as they wanted a normal child. Mona holds a big place in David's heart, and vica versa. David's goal is to get his parents to come and visit him, and he wants to show them that he is a great person, despite his handicap. Therefore he works with music on his computer, and his goal is to create a song, send it to "The Cardigans", a famous Swedish band and have them play the song and credit him, hoping his parents would spot it and want to visit him.

Quick Stats
4.5
TMDB Rating
31
Votes
1h 48m
Runtime
Budget
Box Office
Return
Key Crew
DirectorSusanne Bier
WriterJonas Gardell
CinematographyMorten Søborg
ComposerJesper Winge Leisner
EditorPernille Bech Christensen
Production DesignGert Wibe
Produced by
SVTNordisk Film SwedenSonet FilmTV 2

Where to Watch

Streaming
Netflix
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See more on TMDB → JustWatch

Critics & Reviews

3 featured
Celeste Marlowe
@celeste_writes
8/10

A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.

Written Nov 12, 2024 · read original
Jonas Halberg
@jhalberg
9/10

I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.

Written Nov 8, 2024 · read original
Priya Anand
@priya_a
6/10

A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.

Written Oct 30, 2024 · read original

Cast

Helena Bergström
Helena Bergström
Mona Berglund
Jonas Karlsson
Jonas Karlsson
David Vogel
Thomas Hanzon
Thomas Hanzon
Bosse Berglund
Björn Kjellman
Björn Kjellman
"Candy Darling", Kenny
Johan Ulveson
Johan Ulveson
Leif
Regina Lund
Regina Lund
Sabina
L
Lisa Olsen
Kikki
J
Jessica Andersson
Carola
A
Amanda Rasmusson
Lena PH
S
Sandra Kassman
Anna Book
Katarina Ewerlöf
Katarina Ewerlöf
Moa Rehnkvist, Studio Hostess
Sissela Kyle
Sissela Kyle
Employment Agency Worker
Leif Andrée
Leif Andrée
Man in the Subway Speaking with Mona
Ia Langhammer
Ia Langhammer
Waitress
Jessica Zandén
Jessica Zandén
Mother at Cafeteria

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