Cinema Therapy — Charlyne Gelt, Ph.D.

Let Go

What makes people change? How do we rebalance a dysfunctional family system where no one feels heard? What must we "let go" of to move forward?

LET GO, a 2024 Swedish-language drama written and directed by Josephine Bornebusch, who also stars as Stella, takes a deep dive into these questions. Stella is a disengaged wife struggling to mend her fractured marriage to Gustav (played by Pål Sverre). The film confronts issues like marital conflict, blame, anger, affairs, co-dependency, adolescent rebellion, and lack of communication—all symptomatic of a family forced to confront its dysfunction head-on. Each character’s viewpoint is explored, showing us that things aren’t always as they seem.

From Stella’s tight emotional control to Gustav’s emotional unavailability, the dynamics of their family—including their rebellious teenage daughter Anna and their overly attached son Manne—spiral out of control. At its core, LET GO explores how a loving, compassionate relationship can derail into unbearable pain, leaving everyone unheard. “How did we get here?” a tearful Gustav asks, as Stella embarks on the seemingly impossible task of reuniting their family.

The story takes a pivotal turn when Stella receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. This revelation shocks the family, forcing Gustav to step up and reassess his role. Stella’s impending death serves as a catalyst for change, compelling the family to let go of old patterns and embrace new dynamics. However, some viewers might view the cancer diagnosis as a plot contrivance, resolving their issues in a way that feels abrupt. Yet, the metaphorical power of death—representing the need to “kill off” dysfunctional patterns—is undeniable. In this light, Stella’s death signifies the necessary end of an unworkable approach to their relationships, paving the way for a fresh start.

Psychological Implications

In the film, the daughter Anna’s journey mirrors the family’s larger struggle. Portrayed by Sigrid Johnson, Anna is a teenager teetering between childhood and adulthood, seeking self-identity. Her pole dancing competition becomes a metaphor for harmony, symbolizing the integration of opposing forces: masculine and feminine, control and freedom, rebellion and conformity. The fleeting moments of joy and tenderness during her performance highlight the potential for transformation, even amid turmoil.

Jung believed that “without the experience of the opposites, there is no experience of wholeness.” LET GO exemplifies this principle, illustrating that positive change often requires traversing the shadow side of our nature. Stella’s death—both literal and metaphorical—acts as the crucible for transformation. It forces Gustav to confront his passivity, Anna to reconcile her rebellion, and Manne to release his dependency.

Ultimately, LET GO challenges viewers to see darkness as a pathway to light and to embrace the idea that letting go of old, destructive dynamics is necessary for growth. This film invites us to consider that sometimes, profound loss is the only way to rebuild and find meaning anew.

Charlyne Gelt, Ph.D. (PSY22909) is a clinical psychologist who practices in Encino. She leads Women's Empowerment Groups that help women learn the tools to move beyond self-destructive relationship patterns. She may be reached at 818.501.4123 or cgelt@earthlink.net. Her office address is 16055 Ventura Blvd. #1129 Encino, CA 91436. Her latest edition of Cinema Therapy Binders will be made available for sale on Amazon this month - stay tuned for link!