What Is As It Is in Heaven About?
The premise of As It Is in Heaven in 316 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the rolling hills of rural Kentucky, a tightly‑woven religious enclave clings to traditions as steadfast as the land itself. The community’s rhythm is set by a revered elder whose word guides daily life, and whose sudden death sends ripples through the otherwise predictable tapestry of faith and fellowship. The congregation, accustomed to clear lines of authority, now finds its future hanging in the balance, its members whispering about continuity and the weight of legacy.
Prepared to step into his father’s shoes, the elder’s son bears the invisible mantle of expectation, his every gesture observed for signs of leadership. Yet the wind of change comes from an unexpected source: the Prophet, the spiritual conduit of the settlement, points toward a young stranger named David, a man whose name is unknown to most and whose past lies shrouded in mystery. The very act of naming him as successor unsettles the established order, prompting murmurs of doubt and curiosity that spread like fire through the pine‑scented nights.
The arrival of David introduces a quiet, almost palpable tension that sits beneath the community’s familiar hymns and communal gatherings. His unfamiliar presence forces the faithful to confront questions long set aside—what defines true guidance, and how flexible can belief be when confronted with the unfamiliar? The atmosphere swells with a mix of reverence and unease, as long‑standing relationships are subtly tested and old loyalties are quietly reconsidered.
Against this backdrop of pastoral beauty and solemn devotion, the story invites the audience into a world where faith is both a comfort and a crucible. The tone is contemplative, tinged with the melancholy of loss yet brightened by the possibility of renewal. As the community stands on the brink of an uncharted chapter, the lingering sense of anticipation leaves viewers poised to witness how the quiet power of conviction might reshape a way of life that has known little change for generations.
What Happens in As It Is in Heaven?
The complete story of As It Is in Heaven, from the first scene to the last, in 523 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a deeply moving narrative, renowned conductor Daniel Daréus faces an unexpected and indefinite retirement following a heart attack during a live performance. Returning to his childhood sanctuary in the remote Swedish village of Norrland, he is met with a swirl of nostalgia mixed with a sense of unease. The old elementary school, now his property, stands as a poignant reminder of his difficult past, where he faced relentless bullying.
A fortuitous meeting with the local choir propels Daniel on a transformative journey of redemption. Despite his initial hesitations, he decides to lend his expertise to the group, which brings a rekindling of purpose and emotions that he thought long lost. The entrance of Lena, a mesmerizing young singer, adds further complexity to Daniel’s reintegration into the community.
As Daniel dives deeper into the lives of those around him, he unearths a rich tapestry interwoven with unmet desires and unresolved conflicts. Inger (Ingela Olsson), wife to the respected minister Stig, grapples with the contrast between her unhappy marriage and her unfulfilled yearnings. Siv (Ylva Lööf) finds herself ensnared in a rigid moral framework that prevents her from embracing life’s pleasures. Arne (Lennart Jähkel), in his pursuit of perfection, remains blind to the brewing discontent that threatens the harmony of the choir.
Meanwhile, Tore (André Sjöberg), a gentle spirit facing mental challenges, flourishes in the choir’s accepting environment, while Holmfrid (Mikhael Rahm) finally gathers the bravery to confront years of bullying at Arne’s hands. On the other side, Gabriella (Helen Sjöholm) steps out from the shadows of past abuse, empowered by her newfound autonomy and the unwavering support of the choir.
As Daniel traverses this intricate emotional landscape, he must face a painful reality: Conny (Per Morberg), his childhood bully, has resurfaced to disrupt his newfound peace once again. Their inevitable clash sets off a cataclysmic sequence of events, leading not just to personal healing for Daniel, but also to a rejuvenation for the entire community.
In a climactic moment as the choir gears up for their performance in Innsbruck, Austria, Lena battles insecurities regarding Daniel’s newfound acquaintances and their growing affection. When Daniel finally declares his love for her, they share an intimate moment that feels both exhilarating and daunting.
Yet, the morning of the much-anticipated “Let the Peoples Sing” competition casts a shadow of anxiety. As the choir steps onto the stage, Daniel’s whereabouts become shrouded in mystery. Consumed by stress, he suffers another heart attack and, in a disoriented state, stumbles into a restroom where he inadvertently injures himself seriously.
Alone on the unforgiving cold tile floor, Daniel’s fading consciousness drifts as the enchanting harmonies of his cherished choir resonate in nearby hall, captivating the audience in attendance. Their unified voices echo, transcending words and speaking directly to the core of every listener. In this profound moment, Daniel’s face lights up with a serene smile as he surrenders to the darkness.
The film concludes with a heartwarming scene featuring an older Daniel, who has successfully fulfilled his lifelong aspiration of creating music that opens people’s hearts, racing through golden wheat fields toward his younger self, celebrating the realization of his dream.
As It Is in Heaven Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Daniel's Heart Attack” to “A Vision of the Past”. 8 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Daniel's Heart Attack
During a live performance, renowned conductor Daniel Daréus unexpectedly suffers a heart attack. This life-altering event marks the beginning of his indefinite retirement from conducting, forcing him to confront his past and future.
- 2
Return to Norrland
After his heart attack, Daniel returns to his childhood home in the remote village of Norrland, Sweden. His arrival is bittersweet, filled with nostalgic memories and a sense of unease about the life he left behind.
Where:Norrland, Sweden
- 3
The Old School
Daniel discovers that the old elementary school he once attended now belongs to him. This place serves as a poignant reminder of his difficult childhood, where he faced relentless bullying and social isolation.
Where:Old Elementary School, Norrland
- 4
Meeting the Local Choir
A chance encounter with the local choir leads Daniel to lend his musical expertise. Initially hesitant, he embarks on a journey of redemption and reintegration into the community.
Where:Norrland
- 5
Lena Joins the Choir
Lena, a young and talented singer, joins the choir, adding complexity to Daniel's emotional journey. Her presence rekindles feelings he thought he had lost, challenging him to open his heart once more.
- 6
Inger's Struggles
Inger, the wife of the local minister, grapples with her unhappy marriage and unfulfilled desires. Her plight reflects the tensions and unmet needs within the community's dynamics.
Where:Norrland
- 7
Confronting Past Bullying
Holmfrid finally finds the courage to confront Arne, the conductor obsessed with perfection, who has bullied him for years. This confrontation highlights the choir's role as a supportive haven for its members.
- 8
Gabriella's Empowerment
Gabriella steps out of the shadows of her abusive past, emboldened by the community spirit within the choir. Her journey towards autonomy signifies the healing and growth taking place among the members.
- 9
Daniel's Clash with Conny
Daniel encounters his childhood bully, Conny, who reemerges to disrupt his newfound peace. Their confrontation signifies unresolved conflicts and the impact of the past on Daniel’s present.
- 10
Preparation for Competition
As the choir prepares for the prestigious 'Let the Peoples Sing' competition in Innsbruck, tensions rise. Lena struggles with insecurities regarding Daniel's connections to others in the community, adding to the emotional stakes.
Where:Innsbruck, Austria
Show the other 4 events of As It Is in Heaven Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Daniel's Second Heart Attack
On the morning of the competition, stress overwhelms Daniel, leading to another heart attack. In a disoriented state, he inadvertently injures himself, further adding to the tension of the competition.
Where:Innsbruck, Austria
- 12
The Choir's Performance
Despite Daniel's absence, the choir takes the stage and captivates the audience with their performance. Their harmonious voices echo through the venue, conveying emotion that transcends language.
Where:Innsbruck, Austria
- 13
Daniel's Final Moments
As Daniel lies alone on the cold restroom floor, he is enveloped by the cherished harmonies of his choir. In this moment, he experiences peace, symbolized by a serene smile as he fades into darkness.
Where:Restroom, Innsbruck
- 14
A Vision of the Past
The film concludes with an older Daniel sprinting through golden wheat fields towards his younger self. This vision represents his lifelong aspiration to create music that opens people’s hearts, a dream ultimately fulfilled.
Who Are the Main Characters in As It Is in Heaven?
10 characters, among them Daniel Daréus (Michael Nyqvist), Lena (Frida Hallgren) and Inger (Ingela Olsson): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- DD
Daniel Daréus (Michael Nyqvist)
Daniel is a renowned conductor who faces a profound transformation after a heart attack leads him back to his childhood village. Burdened by past traumas, he discovers new meaning through his connection with the local choir. Despite his initial reluctance, Daniel evolves into a source of inspiration and healing for both himself and the community.
- 🎵 Conductor
- 🌟 Inspirational
- 💔 Troubled
- L(
Lena (Frida Hallgren)
Lena is a gifted young singer who captivates Daniel and adds complexity to his reintegration into the community. Her journey reflects themes of insecurity and personal growth, as she grapples with her feelings for Daniel and her role within the choir. Lena's character embodies the tension between aspiration and vulnerability.
- 🎤 Singer
- ❤️ Love Interest
- 🌈 Ambitious
- I(
Inger (Ingela Olsson)
Inger is the wife of the local minister who struggles with the discontent of her unfulfilling marriage. Her character illustrates the theme of yearning for connection and emotional authenticity, navigating the complex dynamics of her life in a community marked by strict moral expectations.
- 💔 Unfulfilled
- 🎭 Drama
- 🙁 Struggling
- S(
Stig (Niklas Falk)
Stig is the respected minister in the village and Inger's husband, embodying the rigid moral structures of the community. His character represents the challenges of reconciling personal desires with societal expectations, often portraying the weight of tradition.
- ⛪ Minister
- ⚖️ Traditional
- 🌧️ Conflicted
- S(
Siv (Ylva Lööf)
Siv is a choir member caught in a strict moral framework that hinders her ability to enjoy life's pleasures. Her character adds depth to the exploration of societal pressures and the internal conflicts that many face in pursuit of happiness and acceptance.
- 😔 Repressed
- 🎶 Choir Member
- 🛑 Constrained
- A(
Arne (Lennart Jähkel)
Arne is a perfectionist within the choir who fails to see the discontent brewing among its members. His character illustrates the consequences of obsession with perfection, highlighting how it can blind one to the emotional needs of others.
- 🔎 Perfectionist
- 🎵 Choir Leader
- 😟 Oblivious
- T(
Tore (André Sjöberg)
Tore is a gentle soul with mental challenges who finds acceptance in the choir. His character epitomizes the power of community and belonging, showcasing how supportive environments can nurture personal growth and encourage self-expression.
- 😊 Gentle
- 🌈 Acceptance
- 🎶 Choir Member
- H(
Holmfrid (Mikhael Rahm)
Holmfrid is a character who confronts years of bullying at the hands of Arne. His journey represents the struggle for empowerment and healing from past traumas, emphasizing the importance of facing personal demons.
- 💪 Empowered
- 😓 Bullied
- 🎤 Choir Member
- G(
Gabriella (Helen Sjöholm)
Gabriella emerges from a history of abuse, finding her voice and strength through the choir. Her transformation illustrates the theme of empowerment and the potential for recovery from trauma, underscoring the impact of supportive relationships.
- 🌟 Empowered
- 🎶 Resilient
- ❤️ Supportive
- C(
Conny (Per Morberg)
Conny is Daniel's childhood bully who resurfaces to disrupt Daniel’s newfound peace. His character embodies the darkness of unresolved past conflicts, serving as a catalyst for Daniel’s final confrontation and eventual healing.
- 😠 Bully
- ❌ Toxicity
- 🔄 Antagonist
Where and When Is As It Is in Heaven Set?
As It Is in Heaven is set in Norrland and Innsbruck. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
While the specific time period is not explicitly stated, the film evokes contemporary themes of personal struggle, redemption, and community. The emotional journey of the characters reflects universal issues that resonate across different eras, particularly in the context of mental health and personal growth.
Where
Norrland, Innsbruck
Norrland is a remote village in Sweden, characterized by its breathtaking natural beauty and serene environment. It serves as a sanctuary for Daniel, evoking both nostalgia and discomfort, as it reminds him of his childhood struggles. Innsbruck, located in Austria, is known for its stunning alpine scenery and vibrant culture, providing a contrasting backdrop for the choir's pivotal performance.
- 🏞️ Village
- 🎶 Music
- 🇦🇹 Austria
What Are the Themes of As It Is in Heaven?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Redemption, Heartbreak and Growth.
-
01
Redemption
The theme of redemption permeates the story as Daniel confronts his painful past and finds purpose through music. His journey intertwines with the lives of others, highlighting their struggles and desires, ultimately leading to a collective healing. The choir becomes a symbol of transformation, demonstrating how artistic expression can facilitate emotional recovery.
-
02
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is central to the narrative, with various characters experiencing unfulfilled desires and unresolved conflicts. Daniel's past traumas and the challenges faced by the choir members create an emotional depth that underscores the complexity of human relationships. This theme is powerfully illustrated in Daniel's relationship with Lena and his confrontation with his childhood bully.
-
03
Growth
Personal and community growth emerge as vital themes throughout the film. Daniel's return to Norrland sparks not only his own transformation but also the development of the choir members, each seeking their own paths to fulfillment. The culmination of their journey during the choir’s performance signifies a collective growth that transcends individual struggles.
What Kind of Film Is As It Is in Heaven?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A reflective and melancholic drama that explores personal redemption and community healing through music, balancing the somber weight of past traumas with moments of profound hope and artistic passion.
- melancholic
- reflective
- hopeful
- redemptive
- nostalgic
- somber
- personal redemption
- small town dynamics
- community healing
- artistic passion
Content notes: death, bullying, emotional abuse.
Quiz
How well do you remember As It Is in Heaven? Test yourself on the story.
