The film centers on sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), daughters of renowned filmmaker Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). Nora is a performer with a tendency to isolate herself, while Agnes has built a more conventional life with her husband Even (Andreas Stoltenberg Granerud) and their son Erik (Øyvind Hesjedal Loven). Both women carry complicated feelings toward their father, who was largely absent during their childhood and later in life when the family faced hardship. He’s currently experiencing renewed attention for an older film that included Agnes, which has also brought him into contact with actress Rachel (Elle Fanning). Feeling invigorated, he presents a script to Nora, hoping she will accept the role. She declines politely, making it clear she wants minimal involvement with him, and he then offers it to the eager Rachel. Fanning is effective for much of the film's duration, not only conveying the content of the script—which touches on sensitive personal matters—but also bringing to light some of the issues Agnes and Nora have with their father, issues that he seems to grasp, albeit belatedly. The situation escalates further when Gustav decides young Erik should also appear in the movie, allowing for a broader view of the family dynamic. I didn’t find myself particularly captivated by the plot itself; there are numerous films portraying families struggling with resentment toward successful but often unavailable parents. However, this one stands out as a more richly developed and nuanced exploration, incorporating elements of happiness, sorrow, bitterness, and the possibility of healing in a story that unfolds gradually through intimate cinematography and dialogue. It poses familiar questions about parental hopes for their children, rivalries, and ambitions, presented in a way that feels remarkably relatable. As is common in Nordic cinema, suicide is also addressed within the narrative. Viewers shouldn’t anticipate a fast-paced film filled with dramatic outbursts; it's a deliberate and thoughtful production that remains engaging due to the believable performances of the three main actors, particularly young Loven, who makes an impression whenever he appears.

Source on TMDB