Life Overtakes Me

6.5(90 votes)201939m

Documentary

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Overview

Hundreds of refugee children in Sweden, who have fled with their families from extreme trauma, have become afflicted with 'uppgivenhetssyndrom,' or Resignation Syndrome. Facing deportation, they withdraw from the world into a coma-like state, as if frozen, for months, or even years.

Release schedule

Theaters

Jan 26, 2019

Digital release

Jun 14, 2019

Where to watch

JustWatch

Videos

Cast

Henry Ascher

Himself - Pediatrician and Professor, University of Gothenburg (as Henry Ascher MD)

Nadja Hatem

Herself - Immigration Attorney

Mikael Billing

Himself - Psychologist and Psychotherapist, BUP Asylum Psychiatric Unit

Karl Sallin

Himself - Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University (as Karl Sallin MD)

Reviews

Alunauwie

Sep 30, 2025

8/10

This documentary sheds light on the rarely known Resignation Syndrome affecting refugee children in Sweden, a mental condition lacking official recognition from WHO. It presents emotional and psychological impacts on families, while raising questions about skepticism toward the illness's authenticity. Although informative, the film could benefit from expert interviews or scientific studies to deepen credibility. It portrays the issue with empathy and structure, though it misses perspectives from families denied asylum. Overall, the documentary offers valuable insight into a complex and controversial topic. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)