Cristian Mungiu’s ‘Fjord’ Explores Religious Family’s Trial in Suspicious Norway

Director Cristian Mungiu is taking on the challenging role of moderator in his latest work, Fjord, his sixth feature film. The narrative centers on a devout Romanian family standing trial in 2026 Norway, a society that remains extravagantly suspicious of religious devotion despite its reputation for tolerance.

The story follows Mamma, portrayed by Renata Reinsve, and Tata, played by Sebastian Stan, along with their children. Having recently relocated from Romania to a small hamlet nestled within the fjords of rural Norway, the family presents themselves as God-fearing individuals. However, their parenting style diverges sharply from modern norms; they are openly religious, actively proselytize, and believe in punitive consequences for actions rather than gentle parenting approaches.

The film opens quietly, setting the stage for a drama where the family’s fundamental values clash with the secular prejudices of their new host country. Mungiu’s narrative suggests that while the family appears to be good people, their unwavering faith and traditional disciplinary methods place them at odds with Norwegian societal expectations.