Is Netflix’s Diorama Based on a True Story?

Netflix’s ‘Diorama’ is a Swedish romantic drama movie that follows the story of Frida and Björn. Directed by Tuva Novotny, the film deals with the couple’s romance, marriage, and difficult years that lead to a sense of dissatisfaction in their relationship. The film shows the couple confronting their feelings and deciding on their happiness. The film creates a realistic portrayal of the different stages of love and carefully highlights the frailties in Frida and Björn’s marriage. The story can be questioned by viewers to see if it is true or based on real events. We were also curious and conducted some research. Here is everything we know about the inspiration behind ‘Diorama.’

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Is Diorama a True Story?

No, ‘Diorama’ is not based on a true story. Tuva Novotny also stars in the film and is the director. The film’s basic premise revolves around exploring a relationship’s various stages. It takes viewers from the passionate beginning of a romance to the mundane routine of marriage between Frida and Björn. The couple struggle to find an individualism in their family lives, which makes it difficult for them either to continue their marriage or to break up.

In an interview with Variety, writer-director Tuva Novotny opened up about conceptualizing the film’s story and themes. Novotny explained that after her previous directorial titled ‘Britt-Marie Was Here’ based on Fredrik Backman’s best-selling novel, she wanted to tell stories with a sense of urgency. Novotny said that she wanted viewers to feel entertained and reflect upon their lives through her next venture. Novotny decided to focus on the topic of biological human monogamy. By contrasting animal and human relationships, the writer-director gives monogamy a scientific perspective.

“I’m interested in examining the normative boundaries and common patterns of human monogamy and question if the traditional twosome relationship structure is “natural” for humans and if we are made that way,” Novotny said. Novotny elaborated on the complexity of modern relationships. Modern relationships are vulnerable to breaking down. This makes it questionable whether monogamy is biologically possible.

“Today, people live in new modern relationship structures. Surveys reveal that adultery is at 60-70%, and divorce at 60%. So obviously, we’re fighting for something [monogamy] This might be contrary to our nature. How would it be possible to mold our relationships into something that better fits our nature?” Novotny elaborated on the film’s themes. Novotny said in another interview that she uses humor and drama to present a scientific exploration into human relationships. She also attempted to address social norms and stigmas about relationships, and offered some insight and comfort for the viewers.

Hence, it is evident from the writer/director’s words that the film’s story is fictional. It is still rooted in the complex relationships we all see in our daily lives. Ultimately, ‘Diorama’ is not based on a true story. The film’s inspiration is the current state of modern relationships and their structure as well as the decline of monogamy. These themes are explored through a fascinating relationship drama with lots of dramatic and comedic moments.

Read More: Where Was Netflix’s Diorama Filmed?

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