Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2009

In this heartwarming drama adapted from the play by Michael Druker, director Ella Lemhagen brings us into the lives of Sven and Goran – a successful and attractive gay couple who have just moved to a new neighborhood that appears to be nothing short of idyllic. But manicured lawns, block parties, and white picket fences do little to mask the underlying tension brought on by their arrival to this small Swedish town. Determined to create their own perfect happy family, the couple eagerly await the results of their pending application to adopt a child. When Sven and Goran get the letter that Patrik – “Age 1.5” – will soon be joining their home, the men are ecstatic and begin to prepare for the new baby boy. However, things are not always as they seem, and, when the eagerly anticipated day finally arrives, Sven and Goran are shocked to discover that Patrik is in actuality a homophobic, 15 year-old, juvenile delinquent. Although both sides are less than thrilled with each other, they are forced to cohabitate at least until the adoption agency can correct its unfortunate bureaucratic error. Thus, an emotional tug of war ensues between three very different personalities who all ultimately (if unknowingly) want the same thing: a sense of home and someone to love. PATRIK, AGE 1.5 is an endearing film that will please all audiences – entertaining and sweet, while still dealing authentically with the relationships that are central to our lives. The excellent performances and masterful cinematography make this feel-good festival selection a movie that you especially won’t want to miss!