Fjord Wins Palme d'Or

The story of Fjord follows a Romanian software engineer, Mihai Gheorghiu, and his Norwegian wife, Lisbet, who relocate to a remote Norwegian village with their five children, raising them according to their strict evangelical Christian values. However, their lives are turned upside down when a teacher notices marks on their daughter's arm, leading to a conflict with the Norwegian authorities. This sets off a chain of events that challenges the family's values and forces them to confront the differences between their traditional upbringing and the more progressive ideals of their new community.

Directed by Cristian Mungiu, Fjord boasts a talented cast, including Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, who deliver daring performances as the embattled parents. The film has been praised for its incisive and electrifying portrayal of a family in crisis, with Mungiu's masterful direction bringing the complex themes to life. Fjord is a drama film, clocking in at 146 minutes, and has been certified 15. The film is a co-production of several countries, including Romania, Norway, France, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States of America, and features a mix of languages, including English, Norwegian, Romanian, and Swedish.

Fjord has received widespread critical acclaim, with scores of 7.6/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78/100 on Metacritic, 7.2/10 on TMDB, and 76% on Trakt. The film has also won several awards, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics have praised the film's thought-provoking themes, sharply attuned to the complexities of globalization and cultural differences. Viewers have also responded positively, appreciating the film's ability to raise important questions about child protection and cultural values, leaving audiences to form their own opinions and sparking discussions long after the credits roll.

The Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton will be screening Fjord on Friday, 13 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article. As part of the Picturehouse Recommends series, this screening is a great opportunity to see one of the most talked-about films of the year on the big screen. With its timely themes and outstanding performances, Fjord is sure to be a memorable cinematic experience.