Name: One More Time
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2023-04-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Hedda Stiernstedt, Evelyn Mok, Vanna Rosenberg, Tove Edfeldt, Miriam Ingrid

The opening scene of One More Time (2023) is a doozy: Amelia (Hedda Stiernstedt), on the cusp of 40, blows out her birthday candles and wishes herself back to 18. The camera lingers on her face as she realizes her mistake—trapped in a Groundhog Day loop of her teenage years. Director Jonatan Etzler leans into this premise with a mix of comedy and drama, but the film’s execution is uneven.

Etzler’s direction is solid but unremarkable. There are a few standout moments—like a scene where Amelia confronts her mother (Vanna Rosenberg) with newfound maturity—but these are overshadowed by the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and shallow character arcs. The cinematography is functional, though it occasionally leans into overly stylized shots that feel out of place.

What works best are the early scenes that lean into nostalgia for the early 2000s. The soundtrack, packed with hits from that era, adds a layer of fun, even if it occasionally feels like a gimmick. Stiernstedt’s performance as Amelia is the film’s strongest asset; she balances frustration and vulnerability well, particularly in scenes where she grapples with her predicament. Evelyn Mok as the school counselor stands out too, offering moments of genuine warmth amidst the chaos.

The film struggles to find a compelling reason for Amelia to break the cycle beyond generic self-discovery tropes.

However, the film stumbles when it tries to juggle its multiple genres. The comedy often feels forced, relying too heavily on slapstick rather than sharp wit or clever writing. The romantic subplot with Adult Max (David Tainton) and Arez (Ahmed Berhan) lacks chemistry, and their interactions rarely feel organic. The drama also falters in its pacing—Etzler spends too much time revisiting the same day without enough variation to keep things fresh.

The film’s structure is its biggest downfall. While the premise of reliving the same day is inherently interesting, One More Time struggles to find a compelling reason for Amelia to break the cycle beyond generic self-discovery tropes. The emotional beats often feel predictable, and the resolution lacks the punch it needs to feel earned.

The performances are a mixed bag. Stiernstedt carries the film with her nuanced portrayal of Amelia, but the supporting cast is hit or miss. Tove Edfeldt as Adult Fiona and Miriam Ingrid as Fiona both deliver solid performances, but their characters feel underdeveloped. Ahmed Berhan as Arez has some standout moments, particularly in scenes where he challenges Amelia’s perspective.

The film’s attempt to blend comedy, drama, and romance is ambitious, but it ultimately falls short. The tonal shifts are jarring, and the film struggles to find a consistent voice. The humor often feels forced, relying too heavily on slapstick rather than clever writing or sharp wit. The romantic subplot with Adult Max (David Tainton) lacks chemistry, and their interactions rarely feel organic.

The soundtrack is one of the film’s strongest assets. Packed with early 2000s hits, it adds a layer of nostalgia that enhances the film’s setting. However, the music is sometimes used too heavily, overshadowing the dialogue and action on screen.

The themes of self-discovery and second chances are timely, but the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. Amelia’s journey feels predictable, and the emotional beats often fall flat. The film’s resolution lacks the punch it needs to feel earned, leaving viewers with a sense of anticlimax.

One More Time is a film that tries to do too much but ultimately falls short. While it has moments of charm and nostalgia, it struggles to find a consistent voice or compelling reason for its protagonist to break free from her time loop. The performances are mixed, the humor feels forced, and the emotional beats often fall flat.