The plot follows 11 middle-class people in various phases of life, who are isolated from one another. They are compelled to practice social distancing and communicate with each other through video calls.
Orca focusses on themes of love, relationships, and intimacy, and portrays how isolation can affect relationships.[2] The film derives its title from the scientific name of killer whales. Regarding the choice of the title, Bornebusch stated: "It is also the Latin name for killer whales, one of the most social animals in the world. They get depressed and die if they go astray. I feel that people are like that too. Proximity means more than you think. Giving someone a hug."[3] The production began amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bornebusch and Järvstad finished writing the script in three weeks, however the filming was postponed. It was later completed in 12 days, complying with the social distancing regulations with not more than one actor at a time.[3][4]
Reception
Contemporary critics praised the film for presenting an honest picture of human relationships during the quarantine era.[5][6][7]Aftonbladet writer Emma Grey Munthe gave the film four stars out of five, describing it as "funny, sad, touching" that "swings quickly in between".[5] Film critic Fredrik Sahlin agreed and found the film "fun, believable and engaging consideration of the neurotic middle class fears and shortcomings."[7] Writing for Dagens Nyheter, Jacob Lundström said that the film "describes with a strong presence how relationships build and break down through screens".[6] Hynek Pallas, in his piece for Göteborgs-Posten praised the film as "well-played, elegant, and middle-class emotional drama".[8]Svenska Dagbladet's Jon Asp compared it to Swedish movie Magnolia and felt that the results "although technically well implemented, are more fragmented than condensed".[4]