Rexpectations: Fjord

Recxpectations are my recommended expectations that someone should have when they start to watch a film. New Thing #4 was Fjord, a film about a very religious couple who moved from Romania to Norway and run afoul with the law when it is discovered that they spank their children and bring them up in an ultra-religious manner (no dancing, no modern music, etc.)

EXPECT: A TRUE TO LIFE FILM
I can’t speak to how close to factual this film is - the one negative review took it to task for painting Child Protective Services as a villain - but when I say it is True To Life, I mean that it isn’t overly dramatized or punched up to make it more interesting. This isn’t an Aaron Sorkin script where everyone is capable of delivering memorable monologues and funny quips. Sebastian Stan’s lead character is a stoic Romanian man of few words. Renate Reinsve is the quiet churchgoing wife.

DON’T EXPECT: ANSWERS
This film was inspired by multiple cases of foreigners moving to the very progressive Nordic country and running afoul with the law because of cultural differences. And it doesn’t really take a stance either way. The film doesn’t give equal time to the Child Protective Services side, which I’m sure will annoy a lot of people, but I didn’t find that it went to any extra lengths to portray the family as the victims.

EXPECT: 2.5 HOURS
I almost cancelled my ticket when I saw how long the film is but I stuck with it and am happy I did. I did get a little nervous when I first checked the time and realize that only an hour had passed but I didn’t really feel bored at any point. Story-wise, it’s a very tight film, especially once the main conflict arises.