‘Fjord’ Review: Cristian Mungiu’s Unsettling Tale of Moral Conflict

Cristian Mungiu is known for crafting challenging films, and ‘Fjord’ may be his most unsettling yet. The Romanian director, who previously won the Palme d’Or for ‘4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days’, makes his English language debut with this gripping narrative. I was intrigued to see how his distinctive, patient style would translate to the picturesque Norwegian coast.

The film centers on the Gheorghius, a devout Romanian-Norwegian couple portrayed by Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, who relocate with their five children to a remote village in the fjords, which is Lisbet’s hometown. Initially, everything seems promising as they bond with their neighbors, the Halbergs. However, the situation takes a dark turn when their daughter Elia arrives at school with bruises, prompting authorities to intervene and igniting a legal battle based on true events.

What struck me about ‘Fjord’ is how Mungiu skillfully avoids presenting a clear side to champion. He portrays all characters in the conflict as sincere, flawed individuals who genuinely believe they are acting in the best interest of others. I found myself constantly shifting my sympathies, and just when I thought I had a grasp on one perspective, the next scene would subtly challenge it.

Stan and Reinsve deliver tightly controlled performances that often feel opaque, which serves the film well. Stan embodies a wounded dignity, while Reinsve portrays Lisbet with a guarded demeanor, even as her world unravels. This restraint lends authenticity to the film, although it can also create a sense of distance from the audience.

This distance becomes a notable weakness, particularly as the film stretches to nearly two and a half hours. The latter half delves into a lengthy legal process filled with hearings and meetings with child services, causing the tension to dissipate and the pacing to lag. Some courtroom silences extend beyond discomfort into sheer stillness.

I also wished for more focus on the children once they were removed from the situation. The narrative shifts its attention to the adults and the system, leaving the kids feeling oddly sidelined in a story that is ostensibly about them.

Despite these critiques, ‘Fjord’ lingered in my thoughts long after the credits rolled. It refrains from dictating what to believe about faith, discipline, or the role of the state, instead inviting viewers to sit with their discomfort without rushing to conclusions. This approach is rare and deserves respect.

The official trailer for Cristian Mungiu’s ‘FJORD’ has been released. Starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve. In theaters on October 9. https://t.co/vKmEQxkVVp

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 27, 2026

While ‘Fjord’ may not be Mungiu’s most captivating work, its cool exterior may frustrate those seeking a cathartic experience. However, the moral complexities are rich, the performances are disciplined, and the questions it raises lingered with me for days. Thus, I rate it 8 out of 10.

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