Fjord Review: Sebastian Stan & Renate Reinsve’s Superb Drama Tests Friendship & Faith [Cannes]

Cristian Mungiu’s latest drama, Fjord, is a biting acknowledgment that political and religious differences may interfere with the development of true friendships. This film, which premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, is the Romanian director’s sixth feature and aligns quite well with his track record. Known for his interest in exploring culture and religion among Europe’s nations, it’s no wonder Fjord feels at home for him, though he does explore a new avenue with respect to familial controversy. In that regard, Mungiu’s latest is superb.

The story follows Mihai (Sebastian Stan) and Lisbet Gheorghiu (Renate Reinsve), a Romanian-Norwegian couple who have recently settled in a small Norwegian village. Together, they’re raising their five children, including their preteens Elia (Vanessa Ceban) and Emmanuel (Jonathan Ciprian Breazu), both of whom are drawn to their neighbor Noora (Henrikke Lund Olsen). For better or worse, Noora has made an impression on these kids, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for their strict, religious routine.

In this town, everyone is a neighbor to everyone. Mats (Markus Scarth Tønseth), the kind, local principal, also happens to be the rebellious Noora’s stepfather. The Gheorghius, living just meters away, quickly recognize Mats’ inability to discipline his child, which is the complete opposite of their strong belief in “spare the rod, spoil the child.” Despite these differences, everyone gets along very well (admittedly, scarily so), to the point where they’ve integrated into each other’s lives seamlessly.

All is well until Elia shows up to school with bruises on her face and back. This comes after Mihai had already decided to ban them from Noora’s birthday party due to a small act of disobedience. As soon as the school recognizes the marks, they call in the Norwegian Child Protective Services to launch an investigation. Immediately, this jump-starts Mungiu’s fascinating dissection of religious beliefs when it comes to child protection, in addition to what classifies as freedom in societies with cultural variety.

Fjord’s Incisive Look At Cultural Differences Will Make You Squirm

It goes without saying, but Fjord is the type of film capable of igniting arguments within friend groups split across the religious and political spectra. Interestingly, Mungiu never goes out of his way to form a solid opinion on the matter, but cunningly evaluates both sides of the argument as if they’re valid and acceptable. At what point do we allow parents to take full ownership of their child’s upbringing? Who’s to say what’s right for a child when it comes to culture and influence? These questions never really get answered, but they’re at the heart of the film anyway.

What is fascinating about this feature is its ability to spark a modicum of disdain for any character at any given moment. Mihai’s vantage point is admittedly easier for the average person to dispute, regarding what he insists is an “innocent” slap on the butt as a means to discipline his children. The real question of reasonability comes with which side is allowed to share and/or vocalize their viewpoint. The actions of the protective service, on the other hand, are a bit more challenging to argue. Sure, they jump at the opportunity to take all five kids away from the Gheorghius, but if it’s in the name of protecting the kids, how can it be wrong?

Regardless of where you stand, Mungiu doesn’t appear to be interested in defending either side, which I truly believe was the right call. Instead, he lets all arguments speak for themselves, through the actions of his characters as well as a light court battle. Sure, the Norwegian culture in Fjord is seemingly all about amiability and freedom, but people don’t actually hold themselves accountable to this. It all feels surface level, and witnessing these adults preach things they don’t actually practice makes for an intriguing, if not squirm-worthy watch.

All writhing in discomfort aside, Fjord works because Stan and Reinsve are so committed to the tension of the script. While Stan brings the stern stoicism, Reinsve brings compassion and pity for her family and their predicament. You may not agree with their methods, but it’s hard to determine if they’re getting what they deserve, especially because of misplaced trust and friendship. Can you truly befriend or even develop an acquaintance with someone of dramatically opposing views? The optimist in me says yes. But when it comes to the development and protection of children, Mungiu proves it’s grayer than I care to admit.

Fjord screened at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Release Date

August 19, 2026

Runtime

146 minutes

Director

Cristian Mungiu

Writers

Cristian Mungiu

Producers

Tudor Reu, Cristian Mungiu, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar