Before `It` and `Locked`: Bill Skarsgård`s touching role that almost no one saw

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Did you think that Bill Skarsgård always gets the most terrifying characters? Yet before the killer clown from "It," he played one of the most touching roles in his career - in the Swedish film "Simple Simon". And yes, this is completely not the Skarsgård we are used to.

Searching for Love in a World Where Symmetry is Key

18-year-old Simon lives by a schedule, loves facts, space, and... cannot stand being touched. He has Asperger's syndrome, and in a chaotic world, he finds solace in perfect symmetry.

But there's a problem—his brother, the only one who can communicate with him, breaks up with his girlfriend. The home fills with resentment and disorder—everything Simon detests. So, he decides that he must urgently find a new girlfriend for his brother to restore the familiar routine.
Actor Bill Skarsgard in a black hat against a gray background
Bill Skarsgard
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What next? What follows is a touching journey filled with strange situations and sincere attempts to bring order. Simon takes a notebook, lists the perfect parameters for his brother's future partner, and sets out to find love for him. Will he succeed? Both yes and no. In any case, watching it is pure delight.

Is This Really Bill Skarsgård?

It's hard to imagine that this guy would later become the killer clown from "It." His gaze is just too gentle. as Simon is not just an actor but an entire cosmos.

He doesn't overact, push, or pretend to be "special"—he simply lives in the body of a teenager desperately searching for logic in the world of human emotions. The episode where Simon genuinely believes the girl will return to his brother because she left her dirty dishes is priceless.
Young Bill Skarsgård in a red t-shirt lies on the bed
Bill Skarsgård as Simon
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If you were expecting a dark character from Bill in the spirit of "Hemlock Grove"—forget it. Here, he is fragile, naive, and almost cosmically bright. By the way, do you prefer Skarsgård as a reclusive introvert or a terrifying antagonist? Share in the comments which of his characters surprised you the most!

What Genre? Everything at Once

Formally, it's a tragicomedy. But essentially, it's a warm, honest, and sometimes painful film about relationships, misunderstanding, and acceptance. It's as if "Adam" (2009) and "Amélie" (2001) befriended the visual style of Wes Anderson, but with a Nordic accent.

"An amazing Swedish film finds funny and wise moments in the life of the main character suffering from Asperger's syndrome, while not diminishing the seriousness of this condition," writes Kirk Honeycutt for The Hollywood Reporter.
Martin Wallström carries Bill Skarsgård on a cart with a stack of books in his hands
A Scene from the Film 'Simple Simon'
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The film is full of visual metaphors, subtle humor, and that northern charm we love Scandinavia for. It's no surprise that the film was Sweden's candidate for an Oscar, and on IMDb it received a solid 7 out of 10. Although it went unnoticed by the general public, for connoisseurs of unconventional cinema, this work is a true gem.

Would You Dare to Watch?

The film is not a blockbuster. It wasn't a box office hit, it didn't pop up in Netflix recommendations, and it didn't become a TikTok meme. But it's that rare gem that quietly, precisely, and lastingly touches the heart.

Honestly? I started watching this film out of pure curiosity — like, "No way Pennywise can be like this." In the end, I watched it with a lump in my throat. A very bright, very necessary film. Perfect for those tired of clichés and looking for something genuine.
Simple Simon – Trailer
The film doesn't shout, pressure, or preach. It simply exists — like space, where perhaps there truly are no feelings. Or maybe, that's exactly where they begin.

Did you even know this film existed? Would you like to see Bill Skarsgård in a different, non-sinister light? Share in the comments!