"Hyggeligt" a Danish short film that transcends cultural barriers.

"Hyggeligt" (This Feels Right) is a Danish short film from the mind of director, editor, and writer Joseph Valentino Palau in which he plays with "hygge" which is a Danish concept about coziness, comfort, and contentment which as an American myself is a bit of a foreign idea to me. Be that as it may, "Hyggeligt" was a film I loved from start to finish that had me relating in more ways than one.

The film follows Sophia and Samuel's double date with Mia and Nikolaj at their home where the idea of "hygge" comes into play with a warm smile and some wine. I think this film's greatest strength comes from it's ability to show more than tell using solid cinematography, soft lighting, and letting the actors performance sell the rising tension throughout the film. And as someone who has been a part of their fair shares of awkward dinners filled with rising tensions, exhausting conversations, and subtle but present discriminatory actions I felt like the dinner scene was taken right out of my life. I think a lot of minorities that have been in similar situations will also feel seen and satisfied! A strong testament to the writing and acting.

The editing was amazing as well. Some of my favorite scenes in this film are the scenes where the atmosphere that was carefully laid out with strong writing allowed us to sit with the characters and marinate with the atmosphere that was steadily shifting.

Overall I think this film had a clear concept and executed well. I think the performances stand out to me the most with the lighting especially in the nighttime outdoor scenes coming close second. It's not easy to poke a little fun at a societal/cultural concept while making it profound and have something to say. I rate it a 9/10!