The Cannes Film Festival 2026 has seen a slower start than usual, with Hollywood largely absent and muted responses to early premieres. However, audiences finally erupted into double-digit standing ovations this week, led by Sebastian Stan's new film Fjord, which reportedly received 12 minutes of applause.
A Palme d'Or Contender
Screening in competition for the Palme d'Or, Fjord is directed by Cristian Mungiu, a previous winner of the prestigious prize for his 2007 abortion drama 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Mungiu also won best screenplay in 2012 for Beyond the Hills and best director in 2016 for Graduation. The film finally delivers on the festival's high expectations, though it is far from flashy or boundary-breaking.
Subtle Storytelling
Fjord is a movie of subtle, realistic storytelling, anchored by impressively understated performances from Stan and fellow Oscar-nominee Renate Reinsve. The film gently pulls viewers into a topic that will spark significant conversation, interrogating both sides with nuance. Stan and Reinsve play Mihai and Lisbet Gheorghiu, a Romanian-Norwegian couple and conservative Christians who move with their five children to Lisbet's remote, liberal birthplace in Norway. Stan appears as never before: balding and speaking his native Romanian, completely convincing as a strict but mild-mannered father, stripped of any star charisma. Reinsve matches him in meekness, avoiding over-the-top displays of emotion, focusing instead on family and evangelism.
The Plot Unfolds
The family is initially welcomed by the close-knit community, but things unravel when bruises appear on their eldest daughter, Elia (Vanessa Ceban), raising suspicions of abuse. Mungiu cleverly never shows anything disturbing, but uses phrases and slowly reveals information, keeping viewers questioning what they are told. The film opens with Elia reluctantly apologizing and hugging her father after punishment. She and her brother Emmanuel (Jonathan Ciprian Breazu) begin to taste freedom with neighbor Noora (Henrikke Lund-Olsen), while their parents are painted as controlling and severe. Disturbing comments from Mihai, such as moving the children 'for their own good' and refusing to relent on punishment, add tension.
Key Details
- Director: Cristian Mungiu
- Writer: Cristian Mungiu
- Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Lisa Carlehed, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Markus Tønseth, Lisa Loven Kongsi, Vanessa Ceban, Henrikke Lund-Olsen
- Age rating: TBC
- Run time: 1hr 49m
- Release date: UK release yet to be confirmed
As Child Protection Services become involved, the couple struggles to defend themselves. The local police chief has Mihai sign a ruinous statement in Norwegian, a language he does not fully understand.
A Slow Burn
At 146 minutes, Fjord takes its time, but strong performances and realistic detail prevent it from dragging. The film engages with knotty elements of liberal society, discrimination, racism, and the rights of the state versus parents. For a quiet film, it has much to say.
Verdict
Fjord is smaller and more straight-laced than typical Cannes favorites, but it gently works its way into your mind with its examination of a tricky issue, supported by a solid cast. It premiered at Cannes on May 18, with a UK release yet to be announced.
