It is based on the Rakel Liehu’s Runeberg Prize-winning novel of the same name, adapted for the screen by Jokinen and Marko Leino.

[3] The decision to produce the film in Finnish rather than Swedish, the primary language of its historical subjects, sparked some debate.

Art historian Pontus Kyander suggested boycotting the film due to the language choice.

[4] Episodi magazine praised Laura Birn's performance, Rauno Ronkainen’s cinematography, and Kirka Sainio's music.

[5] However, some critics, such as Juho Typpö of Helsingin Sanomat, noted the film lacked dramatic and lighter elements, and felt its depiction of Schjerfbeck's inner struggles was incomplete.