Mouthwatering dramedy the ultimate in feel-good viewing

Tuesday Club (M, 102 mins) Directed by Annika Appelin Reviewed by James Croot ★★★★ In Swedish with English subtitles

If you’re only used to seeing Peter Stormare play tough in Hollywood action movies or TV shows like Prison Break, then this Swedish romantic dramedy will come as a welcome surprise.

The now 68-year-old plays Henrik, a renowned chef and somewhat initially reluctant teacher of a weekly pan-Asian cooking class.

Unimpressed by his sextet of students and their inability to follow his rules, he gradually has his mind changed and heart softened by their more endearing qualities.

That especially applies to Karin (Marie Richardson), whose 40-year marriage has come crashing down, after she discovers an intimate photo from another woman on her husband’s phone during their anniversary celebrations. He ends up in hospital and she is left contemplating her future. Talked into the course by a long-lost school friend, she rediscovers not only long dormant talents, but new feelings.

Fresh from the inaugural Scandinavian Film Festival, Tuesday Club offers charming, undemanding, feel-good viewing.

Annika Appelin’s feature debut is infused with memorable characters, hunger-inducing culinary creations and a terrific country-fied version of Roxette’s The Look. Writer Anna Fredriksson ensures the expected revelations, regrets and recriminations are handled subtly and succinctly, and takes the story off in smart and, sometimes unexpected, directions.

As well as Stormare showcasing his more sensitive side, there is also a fabulous performance from Richardson (Eyes Wide Shut) that offers far more nuance than certain Hollywood stars might have given in such a role (and still might in the perhaps inevitable English language remake).

Maybe Tuesday Club does all tie up its loose ends a little too neatly, but it is enjoyable fare getting there – and a conversation starter – for a night out with friends.

Tuesday Club is now screening in select cinemas nationwide.