“Stolen,” or “Stold” in Swedish, is a gripping new drama on Netflix that shines a light on the challenges faced by the Sami people, using authentic Northern Sami language throughout.
The story revolves around Elsa, a young woman determined to halt the brutal slaughter of her family’s reindeer, vital for their survival. What begins as attacks on the animals soon reveals deeper layers, symbolizing assaults on the Sami themselves.
The film delves into weighty themes like xenophobia and the impacts of climate change, tackling serious issues head-on. While “Stolen” isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, its raw portrayal makes for a compelling watch.
Also Read: “Sugar” Episode 3 Summary & Ending Explained
What Is This Film All About?
In the icy wilderness of Sweden, “Stolen” kicks off with a peek into the life of a Sami family, a tight-knit group with deep-rooted traditions.
Elsa, the young daughter, gears up for her earmark ceremony, a significant rite in their culture. Excitement and nervousness blend as she selects a special reindeer calf, Nastegallu, and carefully marks its ear, bonding with the creature.
School takes a backseat to Elsa’s dream of following her family’s footsteps as a reindeer herder.
Yet, their way of life faces threats. Hunters from neighboring communities disrespectfully slaughter reindeer, leaving behind chilling reminders. Elsa’s world shatters when she witnesses Nastegallu’s brutal murder, threatened into silence by the killer.
Despite her family’s efforts and a visit to the police, justice eludes them. The culprit, Robert Isaksson, enjoys a cozy rapport with law enforcement, leaving Elsa terrified and disillusioned.
Fast forward a decade, Elsa’s now a teacher, fiercely protective of her heritage. But the reindeer killings persist, fueling her desire for justice.
As she grapples with how to confront Isaksson, new challenges loom over the Sami community, testing Elsa’s resolve and resilience.
In “Stolen,” we follow Elsa’s story, which explores themes like holding onto your roots, fighting for what’s right, and standing up against unfairness. All of this happens in the snowy lands of Sweden, making for a captivating tale.
Also Read: “As The Crow Flies” Season 3 Summary & Ending Explained
The Reason Behind Reindeer’s Death
“Stolen” isn’t shy about revealing the culprits behind the reindeer killings or their motives. The film isn’t so much about solving a mystery but rather shines a spotlight on the plight of a minority group and their struggle against those trying to strip away their way of life.
The Sami people rely entirely on their reindeer herds for survival, as their entire existence revolves around these animals.
They depend on reindeer for food, clothing, and trade, and herding them is deeply ingrained in their culture, which is threatened by modernization.
For others in the area, the reindeer are seen as a nuisance, and government regulations meant to protect them also impact the lives of non-Sami residents.
This leads to resentment and xenophobia towards the Sami, as they are perceived as obstacles to local opportunities and comfort.
This situation reflects a broader issue faced by indigenous peoples worldwide, who are pressured to abandon their traditions for modern ways of life.
Robert Isaksson, a key character, epitomizes this conflict by illegally hunting and trading reindeer meat, openly flouting laws meant to protect the Sami way of life.
His actions, which include cruel treatment of the animals and mocking the Sami culture, provoke outrage and resistance from Elsa, a brave individual who stands up to him despite the dangers.
When Robert retaliates by threatening Elsa and invading her home, the conflict escalates from indirect attacks on the Sami to direct persecution.
In essence, “Stolen” serves as a poignant commentary on the struggle of indigenous peoples against cultural erosion and exploitation, as well as the indifference of authorities to their plight.
Through its characters and narrative, the film highlights the urgent need to protect and respect diverse cultures in the face of modernization.
Also Read: “Death Whisperer” Film Summary & Ending Explained
Why Can’t Elsa Go to Meetings Anymore?
Elsa, the main character in the story, is facing a lot of challenges, both from outside her community and within it. She’s frustrated because the people in her tribe aren’t standing up strong enough for their rights.
The leader of her tribe, Olle, isn’t tough in his negotiations, and he’s also not very fair to women like Elsa. He doesn’t think she should be speaking up so much because she’s young and a woman.
This kind of sexism isn’t just in her tribe; it’s happening in a lot of places where women are still fighting for their rights.
Elsa is fed up with all of this. She’s even thinking about leaving her village to go to college because she doesn’t see a way to make things better for her people.
At a village council meeting, all the families gather to talk about a new mining business being planned. The Sami people, who live in the area, are upset about it.
They rely on the land for their reindeer to roam, and a big mine would mess up their route. Plus, it would make the air and water dirty, which is bad for everyone.
But some other folks in the village say they need the mine for jobs. There aren’t many opportunities around, especially since hunting and fishing are restricted.
Elsa, one of the Sami people, gets really frustrated during the meeting. She speaks up about how important the reindeer are for her community.
Later on, there’s a disturbing incident where Robert Isaksson kills several reindeer and arranges their skulls like some kind of mockery by the highway.
News channels from nearby towns cover the story, but they twist it by falsely claiming that the Sami people themselves are responsible for killing their reindeer just to get government compensation.
Elsa, understandably furious, decides to take a stand against this false narrative. She gives an interview to one of the news channels, which gets published in the newspaper the next day.
This makes Olle even more shocked and he finally decides to stop Elsa from attending meetings. He does this because of his own pride, thinking he knows best, and also because of his sexist and ageist beliefs.
Also Read: Who Is Xelia Mendes-Jones? Interesting Facts About Fallout Actor
The Ending
In the ending of “Stolen,” Elsa sneaks into Robert’s warehouse to gather evidence of the illegal meat trade. She takes photos of everything she finds, unaware that Robert has security cameras set up.
When Robert realizes someone’s there, he rushes back, sparking a tense chase. He’s determined to catch Elsa, possibly to harm her.
But things take a turn when Robert loses control of his snowmobile and crashes into thawing ice.
The impact breaks the ice, sending Robert plunging into freezing water. Injured and unable to swim, he drowns. Despite her anger, Elsa tries to save him by throwing a rope, but it’s too late.
Later, the police arrest others involved in the meat trade thanks to Elsa’s evidence. The movie ends with Elsa passing on her culture by teaching a young boy how to cut a reindeer’s ear, hinting that she’s still protecting her people and passing on traditions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
What is the Main Theme of Stolen?
The Main Theme of Stolen revolves around the struggle of the Sami people to protect their cultural heritage and reindeer herds from exploitation and injustice.
Who is Elsa in Stolen?
Elsa is the protagonist of Stolen, a young Sami woman determined to protect her family’s reindeer and culture from threats posed by illegal hunting and exploitation.
What are the Key Challenges Elsa Faces?
Elsa faces challenges from both external threats, like illegal hunters, and internal struggles within her community, including sexism and ageism, as she fights for justice and cultural preservation.
Why Can’t Elsa Attend Meetings Anymore?
Elsa is prohibited from attending meetings by the village leader, Olle, due to his pride, belief that he knows best, and sexist and ageist attitudes, despite her efforts to speak up for her community.
What Leads to Robert Isaksson’s Demise?
Robert Isaksson’s demise occurs when he loses control of his snowmobile and crashes into thawing ice while chasing Elsa. He drowns in the freezing water, unable to swim due to his injuries.
How Does Stolen End?
Stolen ends with Elsa providing evidence of the illegal meat trade, leading to arrests, and then passing on her culture by teaching a young boy about reindeer herding, symbolizing hope for the future.
What Message Does Stolen Convey?
Stolen conveys a powerful message about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures, standing up against injustice, and fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
