LGBTQ+ cinema has frequently used coming-out stories, and lately these films have tried to stand apart by including more specific details about how those experiences play out. This added context can elevate a movie beyond simply being a gay-themed story. However, when filmmakers add these extra elements, they need to weave them together well so the film feels complete. That seems to be what director Leiv Igor Devold was aiming for in his third feature, which tells the story of a man (Hubert Milkowski) who is hiding his sexuality and leaves Poland to work in Norway, hoping for a more accepting environment than he found at home. Once there, he finds it hard to adjust, partly because he’s not used to having so much freedom, and partly due to other problems faced by immigrant workers—like the blatant disrespect they often encounter—as well as difficulties with unionizing and balancing his new life in Norway with family back in Poland. Each of these plotlines has potential, but this film doesn't quite manage to bring them together effectively, which causes the story to feel scattered. It’s a shame, because all the components of an interesting story are there, but they don’t fully come together. The movie does highlight the false idea of a “Norwegian dream,” one that mirrors the equally misleading American version. Still, ultimately this film asks more questions than it answers, leaving viewers feeling as let down as the main character is. Perhaps staying where you are isn't always the best choice for someone wanting to change their life, but neither is chasing after an easy fix. It’s admirable to try and express that idea on screen, but sometimes things just don't come together, which this film demonstrates.

Source on TMDB