Raptures

Set against the stark, snow-drenched landscapes of 1930s Northern Sweden, Raptures tells the poignant story of Rakel, a devout Christian woman ensnared in the turmoil of a religious cult led by her increasingly erratic and domineering husband, Teodor. Based on true events and inspired by Bengt Pohjanen’s novel Dawning, Red!, the film explores the deep emotional and spiritual crises that unfold within a family as Rakel grapples with faith, control, and her desire to protect her stepdaughter amidst her husband’s escalating fanaticism.

Karijord’s score seamlessly blends harmonic depth with experimental techniques, creating a soundscape that is both haunting and intimate, capturing the emotional complexity of the narrative. At its core are traditional Swedish folk instruments—the Key Harp and the Pump Organ—whose raw, emotive tones transcend their folk origins to become integral to the film’s sonic architecture. The contrast between these instruments and Karijord’s experimental arrangements enhances the film’s emotional resonance. In particular, the powerful, raw tones of the Key Harp, played by Erik Rydvall, add a visceral intensity to the score. This, coupled with the haunting, spectral resonance of the Pump Organ, heightens the tension between Rakel’s personal turmoil and the increasingly unstable world around her. As the narrative unfolds and the emotional stakes rise, Karijord’s compositions evolve, building into a series of increasingly dynamic and charged musical passages.

Raptures marks the first-ever feature film with a primary dialogue in the Meänkieli language, a minority language spoken by the Tornedalian people of Northern Sweden. This unique linguistic choice further immerses audiences in the world of the film, adding depth and authenticity to its exploration of cultural and religious divides.

The soundtrack, which acts as an atmospheric extension of the film’s striking visuals and narrative, is now available on all digital platforms. Karijord’s hauntingly beautiful compositions offer a deeply emotional and sonic journey into a world where faith, family, and survival collide.