Leo

A victim of random violence becomes obsessed with vengeance in Leo, the edgy fourth feature by versatile Swedish helmer Josef Fares (Zozo, Kops, Jalla! Jalla!). Shot handheld on DV (in nearly Dogma 95-style), realistic examination of the male psyche effectively dramatizes the futility of revenge. Intense first act unfolds during and after the eponymous protag’s 30th birthday party. Chef Leo (Leonard Terfelt) celebrates this milestone with girlfriend Amanda (Sara Edberg) and best pals Shahab (Shahab Salehi) and Josef (helmer Fares). Heading home through the deserted Stockholm streets, the happy (and slightly drunk) couple accidentally run afoul of fearsome Eastern Europe gangsters (Dragomir ”Gago” Mrsci, Pavle Kukulj). Chilling encounter irrevocably changes Leo’s life.
– ALISSA SIMON, VARIETY