On the remote Sukkwan Island, 13-year-old Roy agrees to spend a formative year of adventure with his father deep in the Norwegian fjords. What starts as a chance to reconnect descends into a test of survival as they face the harsh realities of their environment and confront their unresolved turmoil.

Based on the story “Sukkwan Island” from David Vann’s book Legend of a Suicide, the second feature from Vladimir de Fontenay (Mobile Homes, 2017 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight) is a taut psychological thriller that blends elements of a survival film and father-son drama before reaching a surprising, poignant conclusion that artfully reorients the story. Although its striking photography captures the foreboding, desolate beauty of the wilderness, the film is propelled by phenomenal performances from three-time César Award winner Swann Arlaud (Bloody Milk, Anatomy of a Fall) and brilliant newcomer Woody Norman. Together they create a spellbinding depth and complexity to the gradually unfolding relationship: its tentative rapprochement, vulnerability, and the exchange that occurs as Tom tries to usher Roy into manhood. But as the situation intensifies, so too do Tom’s tangled emotions around the painfully unresolved breakup of his family.—John Nein

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 30–February 2) and credentialed press and industry (January 29–February 2).