This is a film that focuses on the reality of an individual that battles with her challenging life situation. Director and writer Niels Arden Oplev brings his audience to a world that is inspired by his own family. Rose is a film of deep emotions that displays why acceptance and tolerance is essential…especially when dealing with those who cannot process information in a certain way. The film exposes the life of a woman with schizophrenia, whose patterns begin to shift as she is exposed to more of society. The experience is both overwhelming and exhilarating.

Oplev deserves credit for creating a project based on a sensitive and thought-provoking scenario of life, while also reminding his audience to have a heart that listens. Oplev’s faithfulness in Rose is sincere and prominent. It is an experience where limitations lead to a search for self-care and importance in the world. Oplev’s direction is monumental and exhilarating in Rose.

The film takes place in Denmark in the 1990s. Its main character is Inger, played by Sofia Grabol. Inger lives in a home for the disabled as she suffers from schizophrenia. Her mind is compromised. In the opening scene, Inger is lying on her bed with her thoughts racing. She envisions a happy time in her childhood. Inger’s sister is Ellen, played by Lena Maria Christensen. Ellen’s husband is Vagn, played by Anders W. Berthelsen. She and her husband decide to take Inger on a vacation to Paris. In the beginning, Inger is against this, and she tries to make things difficult by stating to everyone on their coach bus, “My name is Inger, and I’m mentally ill.” Inger’s illness takes toll on her daily existence in the home, but soon this trip changes her life through an enriching revelation.

The film is pervasive and honest in portraying the pain of Inger’s schizophrenia. She is constantly desperate for valium, and dwells on the patterns that float in her mind. Inger has outbursts where she shuns everyone around her. Ellen and Vagn are Inger’s biggest help on this getaway to Paris as they know how to help Inger to get her spirits up. The empathy and support of Ellen and Vagn is the heartfelt element that thrives in Rose. It evokes hope and empathy to see her seeing finding inspiration to carry on from those that are her biggest fans.

The routines of Inger speak with a raw truth. Inger’s mind is set in its patterns and change becomes a high ladder for her to climb. She does however learn how to climb. Her complex journey on the Paris trip is a reminder that even those with severe disabilities need a form of connection…one that ensures them that they still matter. Despite her limitations, she findsplaces of happiness where she is able to emphasize her good intentions and live her fullest life. Through Inger and Ellen, the film’s tight writing and Oplev’s direction form inseparable connection that dives deep into the strongest forms of empathy and compassion.

A turning point for Inger is when she visits a museum and finds great joy in the atmosphere and artifacts and their ability to enrich her existence. Having a disability can make life feel detrimental, but it can also display brilliance in life. Rose makes the viewer feel how important it can be to keep chin up…even in times where acceptance and tolerance is not inevitable. There is a moment where Inger asks the question “Maybe you could make the biggest dream come true?” This question proves deeply that Inger has an empathetic heart, and that despite her hardship with her mental state, she is still a person who cares about those around her. The realization of Inger seeing the greatness in inspiring those around her is the knockout form in the form of a surreal and unforgettable story.

The title Rose may make the audience wonder about its meaning. There is a point where Inger asks, “Am I still your rose?” The essence of Rose embodies the love and support that Inger has around her. It is a journey of finding meaning to lifeand embracing hope and shining the light of who we are despite limitations. The rose opens up and blossoms to show its ultimate beauty. All Inger wants is to feel loved. Will she find a way to feel that again? Rose answers that question in a most thought-provoking and beautifully written and directed way. Four out of four stars for Rose.