Fjord

Plot

Mihai and Lisbet Gheorghiu, a Romanian-Norwegian Pentecostal couple, move with their five children from Romania to Norway after Mihai's parents die, seeking closeness to Lisbet's family, who share their faith. Settling in an isolated coastal village, they form a bond with their neighbors, the Halbergs. When their daughter Elia appears at school with bruises, suspicions arise about the family's strict religious upbringing. Fjord explores clashing worldviews, conformity, tolerance, and the boundaries of freedom and intimacy.

Why watch

Mihai and Lisbet Gheorghiu arrive in a remote Norwegian village, seeking solace and community after the loss of Mihai's parents. As their daughter Elia faces scrutiny at school, the family's strict religious beliefs come under fire, revealing the fragility of their new life. Watching this film feels like a slow, contemplative walk along the coast, where every wave carries the weight of unspoken fears and hopes.

Talking points

• the impact of faith on family dynamics
• cultural integration vs. isolation
• the complexities of parenting in a new environment
• the portrayal of childhood trauma

Cultural context

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