As It Is in Heaven 2014

In a deeply moving narrative, renowned conductor Daniel Daréus faces an unexpected and indefinite retirement following a heart attack during a live performance. Returning to his childhood sanctuary in the remote Swedish village of Norrland, he is met with a swirl of nostalgia mixed with a sense of unease. The old elementary school, now his property, stands as a poignant reminder of his difficult past, where he faced relentless bullying.

A fortuitous meeting with the local choir propels Daniel on a transformative journey of redemption. Despite his initial hesitations, he decides to lend his expertise to the group, which brings a rekindling of purpose and emotions that he thought long lost. The entrance of Lena, a mesmerizing young singer, adds further complexity to Daniel’s reintegration into the community.

As Daniel dives deeper into the lives of those around him, he unearths a rich tapestry interwoven with unmet desires and unresolved conflicts. Inger (Ingela Olsson), wife to the respected minister Stig, grapples with the contrast between her unhappy marriage and her unfulfilled yearnings. Siv (Ylva Lööf) finds herself ensnared in a rigid moral framework that prevents her from embracing life’s pleasures. Arne (Lennart Jähkel), in his pursuit of perfection, remains blind to the brewing discontent that threatens the harmony of the choir.

Meanwhile, Tore (André Sjöberg), a gentle spirit facing mental challenges, flourishes in the choir’s accepting environment, while Holmfrid (Mikhael Rahm) finally gathers the bravery to confront years of bullying at Arne’s hands. On the other side, Gabriella (Helen Sjöholm) steps out from the shadows of past abuse, empowered by her newfound autonomy and the unwavering support of the choir.

As Daniel traverses this intricate emotional landscape, he must face a painful reality: Conny (Per Morberg), his childhood bully, has resurfaced to disrupt his newfound peace once again. Their inevitable clash sets off a cataclysmic sequence of events, leading not just to personal healing for Daniel, but also to a rejuvenation for the entire community.

In a climactic moment as the choir gears up for their performance in Innsbruck, Austria, Lena battles insecurities regarding Daniel’s newfound acquaintances and their growing affection. When Daniel finally declares his love for her, they share an intimate moment that feels both exhilarating and daunting.

Yet, the morning of the much-anticipated “Let the Peoples Sing” competition casts a shadow of anxiety. As the choir steps onto the stage, Daniel’s whereabouts become shrouded in mystery. Consumed by stress, he suffers another heart attack and, in a disoriented state, stumbles into a restroom where he inadvertently injures himself seriously.

Alone on the unforgiving cold tile floor, Daniel’s fading consciousness drifts as the enchanting harmonies of his cherished choir resonate in nearby hall, captivating the audience in attendance. Their unified voices echo, transcending words and speaking directly to the core of every listener. In this profound moment, Daniel’s face lights up with a serene smile as he surrenders to the darkness.

The film concludes with a heartwarming scene featuring an older Daniel, who has successfully fulfilled his lifelong aspiration of creating music that opens people’s hearts, racing through golden wheat fields toward his younger self, celebrating the realization of his dream.