In “Fjord,” a Clash of Personal and Societal Values in Child Rearing

In the film Fjord, Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve take on the roles of evangelical Christian parents Mihai and Lisbet. The couple faces a conflict when child protective services remove their children from their care. The film opened to critical acclaim and secured the highest accolade at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Set against the backdrop of secular Norway, the story unravels the challenges faced by a Romanian family deeply rooted in their faith. This narrative kicks off as the family relocates, moving from their familiar community to a country where their religious practices are less common.

The core tension in the movie arises from a simple yet striking question directed at two teenagers: how often they pray. This moment serves as a focal point for the film’s exploration of the juxtaposition between individual beliefs and broader societal norms.