As It Is in Heaven

An acclaimed conductor returns to his quiet hometown after a heart scare and looks for a simpler life. He agrees to help the town by taking charge of the local church choir, a source of pride but also suspicion among neighbors. Through patient coaching and shared songs, the group learns to trust a new direction and the choir begins to stretch beyond its old boundaries. As melodies bring people together, friendships deepen and tensions soften. Lena, a practical local, and Gabriella, a bright young singer, form connections with the outsider who stirs both memory and aspiration, offering healing without preaching or fuss. Quiet humor threads through the whole. The town learns to listen again and the choir finds courage. Together.

Directed by Kay Pollak, the film stems from an original screenplay by Carin Pollak, Kay Pollak and Margaretha Pollak. It premiered in 2004 in Sweden and was embraced abroad as a warm musical drama and earned early festival attention worldwide.

Music from the film helped spark a broader interest in choral storytelling in Swedish cinema. Helen Sjöholm sings Gabriella's Song on the soundtrack, and the performance became a widely recognized centerpiece that resonated with audiences beyond the story. The film's popularity also fed stage adaptations and live choir renditions globally.

Critics praised the film for its tone, ensemble work, and its hopeful look at how music can unite a fractured community. At its heart the story is about renewal through art humility and shared voice. It resonates with viewers who crave warmth and character driven drama rather than showy spectacles.

Box office data are inconsistent across markets and sources, and precise figures for As It Is in Heaven are not widely reported. The film enjoyed reception in Sweden and abroad upon release and attracted audiences through word of mouth worldwide.