Joachim Trier's New Drama Blends Family Trauma with Filmmaking
The acclaimed Norwegian director explores generational wounds and artistic ambition through a story about an estranged family and their ancestral home in Oslo.
Joachim Trier's newest project weaves together the story of a broken family and the ancestral home that binds them across generations. The Norwegian filmmaker, known for The Worst Person in the World, presents the dysfunctional Borg clan whose Oslo residence has witnessed decades of history, from World War II through personal tragedies and loss.
A Father's Return and Fractured Relationships
The narrative centers on stage performer Nora, played by Renate Reinsve, and historian Agnes, portrayed by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. These sisters have maintained distance from their father Gustav Borg, a celebrated film director brought to life by Stellan Skarsgård. Gustav abandoned Norway years ago to pursue his Hollywood ambitions after his marriage ended, but returns unexpectedly at his ex-wife's funeral with two specific goals: reclaiming the family property and recruiting Nora for his latest project.
Gustav's new venture draws directly from his family's painful past, including his mother's tragic death by suicide. He crafted the lead role specifically for Nora, modeling it after his deceased mother, but she flatly rejects any collaboration due to their strained relationship. When Nora refuses to even examine the screenplay, Gustav pivots to American actress Rachel Kemp, played by Elle Fanning, whose involvement helps secure Netflix backing for the production.
Unlikely Bonds Between Struggling Artists
Both Gustav and Rachel find themselves at career crossroads. The director hasn't completed a film in fifteen years, while Rachel's recent box office failure has left her considering retirement from acting altogether. Their connection forms at a French film festival afterparty, creating an unexpected partnership between two artists seeking redemption.
Fanning explains that her character discovers renewed purpose through Gustav's recognition: "Gustav sees something in [Rachel] that ignites this light in her again. She's felt a bit lost, and so having him see her, and feel like he really sees her, and then to ultimately give her this opportunity, it's a beautiful thing. And I think he's much more open to Rachel than he is with his own daughters."
Art Versus Personal Connection
Skarsgård describes his character's fundamental contradiction between artistic expression and human relationships: "He is capable of feelings, and he's capable of expressing feelings. He's excellent at it in his art, but he's clumsy in his personal life, and it's funny to see him trying. It's comic, and it's tragic at the same time."
This disconnect becomes evident during a birthday celebration for Agnes' nine-year-old son Erik, when Gustav presents the child with Michael Haneke's adult psychological drama The Piano Teacher on DVD. Agnes responds with bewilderment, noting they don't even own a DVD player. The moment perfectly captures Gustav's alienation from both his family and contemporary culture.
Skarsgård notes his character's generational displacement: "In spite of being the same age as me, he's of an older generation, and he's a 20th-century man." This becomes apparent during press interviews when Gustav seems genuinely confused by questions about streaming versus theatrical releases, asking where else films would be shown besides movie theaters.