Video Analysis 3: Bill Skarsgård's Apparent "Snub" of Alida Morberg at the 2019 It: Chapter Two Premiere: Body Language, Detachment, and Relationship Patterns
Red carpet arrivals are often staged showcases of affection and unity. But sometimes, the absence of interaction speaks volumes. A silent clip from the 2019 It: Chapter Two London premiere (September 2, 2019) captures Bill Skarsgård seemingly ignoring Alida Morberg upon arrival, walking past her without acknowledgment.
Viewed in isolation, it might be dismissed as premiere chaos. However, in the broader context of their relationship, marked by Bill's post-2018 emotional blandness, consistent silence about Alida in interviews, and numerous photos showing detachment, this "snub" feels like a telling indicator of strain.
In this post, I'll describe the clip's sequence (as there's no sound), break down the body language and mannerisms, and explore why it comes across as odd, especially against years of Bill's apparent disinterest and selective affection after their first child Oona's birth. This holistic view suggests the moment isn't accidental but part of a pattern of one-sided or fading connection.
The Full Sequence Description (With Timestamps)
The clip is silent, about 15 seconds long, and focuses on the red carpet arrival. It's fan-clipped from original premiere footage (likely Getty or event cameras), showing the car pull-up and entry line. Here's a detailed play-by-play:
[0:00–0:05]: The car arrives at the red carpet drop-off. Bill exits first (or alone), stepping out purposefully. Alida is visible nearby, standing or emerging slightly behind/from the side.
[0:05–0:10]: Skarsgård walks straight ahead toward the venue entrance, eyes forward, no pause or glance back. He doesn't acknowledge Alida, who remains a few steps behind.
[0:10–0:15]: Alida follows after a clear delay, entering the line 3–4 people behind him (among cast/attendees). Bill continues without turning, heading inside as the clip ends.
The sequence is straightforward but stark, no interaction, no shared car exit (or if shared, no coordination), emphasizing separation.
Body Language and Facial Expressions
The silent nature shifts focus to visuals, where Bill's actions convey detachment.
Overall Posture: Bill's stride is confident and direct, head up, shoulders squared, moving with purpose like someone focused on the event. Alida's posture is more tentative: slightly hunched or delayed, as if waiting for a cue that doesn't come.
Facial Expressions: Bill's face is neutral to serious, eyes fixed ahead, no smile or glance toward Alida. There's no softening or recognition; it's blank professionalism. Alida's expression is harder to discern from the angle, but she appears composed but isolated, with no visible attempt to catch up or signal him.
Eye Contact and Gaze: Bill's gaze is forward-facing, avoiding Alida entirely. No side glance or backward look, which is unusual for partners arriving together. Alida's gaze seems directed at him briefly, but the distance grows without reciprocation.
The lack of eye contact or acknowledgment is a classic body language red flag for emotional distance. Experts like Allan Pease (author of The Definitive Book of Body Language) note that partners in sync often use micro-glances or waits to coordinate. Here, it's absent, creating a sense of intentional avoidance.
Mannerisms here are minimal but telling, emphasizing the non-interaction.
Movement and Pacing: Bill's walk is steady and unhesitating. No slowdown, turn, or gesture (e.g., hand extend, wave). He moves as if alone, covering ground quickly. Alida follows after a noticeable pause, her steps more measured, creating a physical and symbolic gap.
Gestures: None from Bill. No arm around her, no nod, no smile. Alida has no overt gestures either, but the delay in her entry (3–4 people behind) suggests she's left to navigate independently.
Rhythm of the Scene: The pacing feels disjointed, the expected "couple arrival" flow (shared exit, joint walk) is broken, with Bill leading solo and Alida trailing like an afterthought.
Gestures in public settings often signal connection; their total absence here feels cold, especially for a couple with a young child (Oona was nearly 1). The rhythm disrupts the norm, amplifying perceptions of disinterest.
The Bigger Picture: Context of Distance, Detachment, and Silence
Isolated, the clip could be premiere stress. But in context, it's part of a pattern of Bill's post-2018 blandness toward Alida, silence in interviews, and detached photos, suggesting emotional withdrawal after Oona's birth.
Pre-2018 Affection vs. Post-Baby Blandness: Before Oona (born October 2018), Skarsgård showed warmth—e.g., intimate red carpet holds (waist embraces in 2016–2017 photos), set visits (People, 2017), and crediting Morberg (Pennywise makeup help, 2017 interviews). Post-2018, affection turns bland: light shoulder touches (Nosferatu premiere, 2024), minimal eye contact, no lingering gestures. The 2019 snub fits this shift. Oona was nearly 1, yet he ignores Alida like a stranger. Earlier premieres (e.g., Allegiant, 2016) showed coordination; this marks the last Getty-indexed joint appearance, with subsequent visuals showing him appearing detached.
Dozens of Interviews with Silence About Morberg (2019–2021): From 2019 (It: Chapter Two promo) to Clark's release (2022), Skarsgård gave numerous interviews (The Late Show, Good Morning America, Variety, Esquire, Swedish outlets) where he says basically nothing about Alida. He mentions Oona lightly (e.g., FaceTiming her in makeup, 2019) but skips Alida entirely, even in family questions. Busy schedules don't explain it; pre-2018, he managed affection fine.
Photos of Distance and Detachment: Multiple images (e.g., Nosferatu, 2024: unsmiling, light shoulder hold; soccer game: muted responses, no synced energy) show Bill distant with an averted gaze, no intimate touches. Happy solo or cast photos (e.g., 2019 It premiere: beaming with Jessica Chastain) contrast sharply. The 2019 snub video captures this live, ignoring the mother of his child publicly, and leaving her behind.
Overall Relationship Context: Bill's privacy (rare family mentions, Getty omissions post-2019) vs. Alida's oversharing (pregnancy posts, interviews like the interrupted one) creates asymmetry. The 2019 snub, at a peak career moment (It: Chapter Two), feels odd because it's not just stress. It's consistent with later patterns (e.g., 2024 tension).
Why This Moment Feels Like a Snub in Context
Isolated, it's a quick arrival. But in the big picture, it's a glaring example of detachment: pre-2018 warmth vanishes post-baby, interviews ignore Morberg, photos show distance. The ignore, walking past without a glance, leaving her behind, contradicts a "loving partner" norm, especially with Oona so young.
Psychologically, it evokes "avoidant attachment," where one partner distances emotionally. The broader silence (2019–2021 interviews) makes this feel like the norm, not an anomaly.
In conclusion, the 2019 snub isn't chaos. It's a pattern of post-baby disengagement, with Bill's actions speaking louder than words. Whether strain or privacy, it leaves a lingering sense of disconnect.
