“ABBA Against the Odds”

I’ve always enjoyed ABBA’s music, but after watching James Rogan‘s documentary “ABBA: Against the Odds,” I realized I knew very little about the Swedish quartet. The film gives a brief overview into the band’s journey to fame, starting from their humble beginnings at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest (where their song “Waterloo” resulted in an unexpected victory that changed their lives forever) to their well-deserved rise to fame. Their history may not be fascinating nor sensational, but this documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the best-selling music artists in history.

The film is a treasure trove for fans, brimming with the band’s greatest hits that have become anthems for many. Rogan includes ABBA’s most beloved music as a soundtrack to his documentary, accompanied by behind-the-scenes footage, rare photos, archival interviews, and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid portrait of the band. The documentary provides insights into ABBA’s creative process too, and their innate ability to craft catchy earworms and melodies that resonated with audiences worldwide.

With success came its own set of struggles, and the documentary illustrates the challenges ABBA faced. From tensions within the band to the relentless pressure of fame, their journey was not without its hardships. They faced everything from disco protests, false rumors, and sexism in the media to a failed U.S. tour, but Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid somehow persevered, armed with their talent and love for their music. Everyone knows the life of a pop star is hard, but so often it’s hard to sympathize with the glitz and glamour of being adored by millions. The film has a poignant layer about the challenges of balancing things like marriage, motherhood, and happiness with life on the road, capturing the emotional roller coaster ride that defined ABBA’s career.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the discussion about ABBA’s unique image. They’re a band that become well known for their outrageously cheesy outfits, and they embraced the flamboyant attire early on. You can feel the tinge of regret when this decision is discussed because the “kitsch” label is something they were never able to shake, which really takes away from their genuine talent as skilled musicians, songwriters, and singers. The first thing most of us think when we hear “ABBA” are those crazy white jumpsuits (you know the ones).

“ABBA: Against the Odds” takes audiences on a journey through the highs and lows of one of the greatest pop groups of all time, creating a time capsule of the band’s enduring legacy and a celebration of the mark they’ve left on music history.

By: Louisa Moore