Patrik Age 1.5 2010

The film narrates the heartfelt journey of a gay couple from Sweden, Sven (Torkel Petersson) and Göran Skoogh (Gustaf Skarsgård), as they venture into their new suburban neighborhood. Their story begins during a cheerful welcoming party, setting the stage for the changes to come. As they settle into their respective jobs and meet their neighbors, the couple decides they are ready to expand their family by adopting a child.

However, they quickly face an uphill battle; despite being married, no country is willing to facilitate the adoption process for a same-sex couple. Initially, they are denied by the adoption agency, but fate intervenes when a young Swedish orphan becomes available. Eager to become parents, they leap at the chance to adopt—only to discover a significant typographical blunder that alters the child’s age from “1.5” years to “15.” When their new son Patrik (Tom Ljungman) finally arrives, they are taken aback to find themselves parenting a troubled teenager with a checkered history.

In a rush, they hurry to the adoption agency to address the error, only to find that no immediate solution is feasible until the following week. During this frustrating period, Sven struggles to connect with Patrik, who displays a pattern of disrespectful behavior, while Göran seeks to uncover the positive traits within him. Initially, Patrik harbors fears and misconceptions about his gay adoptive parents, convinced by the stereotypes that gay men are potential threats to children.

Once the agency reopens, the three of them face the official stance that Patrik has only two options: to stay with Sven and Göran or return to the foster home from which he came. As the weeks progress, Patrik’s rebellious tendencies lead Sven to walk out in frustration, unable to handle what he perceives as Göran’s leniency. Yet, Göran resolves to give Patrik the chance he deserves, agreeing to keep the boy until the agency can find him a different family. Surprisingly, amid the chaos, Patrik reveals a gift for gardening, which begins to bridge the gap between him and Göran.

As time passes, the adoption agency informs Göran that a new family has been selected for Patrik. By this point, Patrik has shed much of his initial fear and hostility toward his new parents. Just when it seems like Patrik’s time with them is up, he chooses to come back, leading to a touching reunion. Ultimately, Sven, Göran, and Patrik decide to embrace their unique family bond and choose to live together permanently, creating a home filled with love, acceptance, and understanding.