Last Saturday, the anticipation in the air was palpable as theatergoers filled the seats at the local playhouse. The stage was set for “Det är något som inte stämmer,” a dramedy directed by Martina Haag and co-scripted with Peter Arrhenius. Critics had promised compelling humor wrapped in poignant observations, making the evening’s performance seem like a must-see event.
As the lights dimmed, the audience was treated to a beautifully decorated stage, an intimate setting that promised a deep connection with the characters. However, as the first act unfolded, a sense of discord began to creep in. The plot revolved around a family gathering, where unresolved tensions bubbled just beneath the surface, but instead of witty banter and insightful reflections, much of the dialogue felt stilted, lacking the spark that draws viewers into a narrative.
One could see a mix of expressions among the spectators: some nodded in understanding, while others shifted uncomfortably in their seats, thoughts already wandering to the half-empty wine glasses waiting in the lobby. Laughter—once expected—came in hesitant bursts, as the humor occasionally landed flat. There were moments of brilliance, rays of potential that hinted at a play worth embracing, yet they were overshadowed by long stretches of monotony.
The actors, characterized by their earnest attempts to breathe life into their roles, contributed to the overall sense that something was amiss. Each character, portrayed with earnestness, lacked depth and development—a challenge for both the cast and the audience. The performances, though well-intentioned, could not quite salvage the slow-moving script that meandered without clear direction.
As the second act trudged on, murmurs swept through the audience; the novelty of the evening had faded, replaced by a growing need for resolution and engagement. What should have been an emotionally charged exploration of family dynamics felt more like an exercise in endurance. By the time the final curtain fell, an unspoken consensus seemed to bond the attendees—a shared relief that they had weathered the experience together.
With a rating of 2 out of 5, “Det är något som inte stämmer” struggled under the weight of its ambitions. Comments flittered through the crowd as they made their way out, reflecting the collective sense of dissatisfaction and the unpublished potential that still lurked within the unfulfilled craft of storytelling.
Ultimately, it was not merely an evening of entertainment that was lost but rather a poignant exploration of human connections that fell short of its mark.
