Fjord

In the latest from masterful Cristian Mungiu (Graduation, TIFF ’16; R.M.N, TIFF ’22), Lisbet (Renate Reinsve, TIFF ’25’s Sentimental Value) and Mihai Gheorghiu (Sebastian Stan, TIFF ’23’s Dumb Money) are a conservative Christian couple who’ve relocated from Romania to an isolated Norwegian town with their five children.

Unlike their new neighbours, the Gheorghius enforce daily bible study and don’t allow trappings like smartphones and YouTube. The family’s rigid beliefs cause a stir when one of the children is accused of introducing religious bias into their school by criticizing another student’s sexual orientation. This, however, is just the beginning of the family’s problems. When a teacher notices a bruise on another of their kids, a cascade of events — mimicking the avalanches we see behind the schoolyard in the icy locale — is set in motion.

Unlike her strong-willed husband, Lisbet, Norwegian by birth, is fluent in the local language and adept at navigating cultural nuances. Meanwhile, Mihai, steadfast in what he sees as his right to educate his offspring as he sees fit, admits to the occasional spanking. This triggers a storm of controversy — and is certain to evoke strong, varying opinions from viewers.

Winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes, Fjord is an intricate, gripping courtroom drama driven by a profound moral dilemma, where private lives are laid bare for public scrutiny. Shot by frequent Mungiu collaborator Tudor Vladimir Panduru, the film marks a powerful return for the auteur whose 2007 masterpiece 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days helped launch the celebrated Romanian New Wave.

DOROTA LECH