At this year's Toronto International Film Festival, Sebastian Stan and writer-director Cristian Mungiu sat down with Collider's Perri Nemiroff to discuss their new film, Fjord, a tense drama that's already sparking conversation. The movie, which won the Palme d'Or and is set for release via Neon, tackles a timely issue from a deliberately neutral perspective, and the filmmakers are eager for audiences to engage with it—even if that means strong reactions.
Fjord stars Stan and Renate Reinsve as Lisbet and Mihai Gheorghiu, a devout Christian couple who move from Romania to a small Norwegian town with their five children. The family quickly bonds with their neighbors, the Halbergs, but their strict religious upbringing creates friction with the more liberal community. Tensions escalate when a teacher spots a bruise on one of the children, leading to allegations of abuse and a community divided.
Mungiu, known for Graduation, explained that the film is less about the specific incident and more about the broader cultural clash between conservative and progressive values. "We decided not to take sides," he said. "We wanted to present both perspectives fairly, letting the audience compare them with their own beliefs." The director spent years researching real cases in Scandinavia, where migrant families often face conflicts over child-rearing practices, to ensure the story felt authentic.
For Stan, the role was a chance to explore universal questions about parenthood and faith. "It's about how we raise our kids and what we believe is right," he said. "The film doesn't give easy answers, and that's what makes it so powerful." The actor also praised his reunion with Reinsve, his A Different Man co-star, noting that their established shorthand made it easier to dive into the emotionally charged scenes.
Stan also touched on his upcoming role in Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II, revealing that his Oscar-nominated performance in The Apprentice helped him land the part. "It opened doors," he said, without giving away details. Fans of the Caped Crusader will have to wait for more, but Stan's enthusiasm was clear.
Mungiu hopes Fjord will encourage dialogue rather than division. "We're living in a polarized world," he said. "If this film can get people talking—even arguing—that's a win." The director's approach has already resonated with festival audiences, and the buzz suggests Fjord will be one of the most talked-about dramas of the season.
For those eager to see what the fuss is about, Fjord is set to hit theaters in October. In the meantime, fans of thought-provoking cinema can check out other recent TIFF highlights, like Zack Snyder's latest film, which also sparked strong reactions. And if you're in the mood for more gripping dramas, our list of crime dramas with perfect finales might be just what you need.
With its nuanced take on a divisive subject, Fjord promises to be a must-see for anyone who appreciates cinema that challenges assumptions. As Stan put it, "The bigger the reaction, the more you need to see it."
