Set in a near-future Sweden, where jobs are scarce, margins are tight and corporate profit trumps all, this timely hybrid film reveals a frighteningly all-too-recognisable economic dystopia. Sköld highlights the effects of the ruthless system on families, friendships and communities. All but a hair’s breadth away from homelessness, zero-hours contract workers squabble over shifts at the discount supermarket while store manager Eleni, a new mother forced to return to work too soon, frantically pumps breast milk in the staff toilets. Poignant and compellingly performed, the film’s vignettes are punctuated with animated sequences, inventively exposing the dehumanising and absurdly wasteful effects of capitalism. And yet, beyond the store, an ever-growing ‘underclass’ offers a sense of hope through sustainability and true community.

Fuori da un discount, un gruppo di senzatetto ha fondato un accampamento di tende e baracche. Vivono recuperando scarti alimentari dai cassonetti del discount scontrandosi quotidianamente con la resistenza aggressiva dei suoi commessi. Nel frattempo le nuove e stringenti condizioni di lavoro imposte dai vertici della catena incrinano le relazioni umane tra i dipendenti del negozio.

Utanför lågprisbutiken har en brokig skara hemlösa människor byggt ett tältläger. De lever på att dumpstra ur butikens container, och bemöts av alltmer aggressivt motstånd. Samtidigt slavar butikens anställda under hårdnande villkor från kedjans ledning.