This film by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, known for The Worst Person in the World (2021), explores the complicated life of an ageing, egomaniacal film director and his two adult daughters. The story blends humor, sentimentality, and cinematic references, evoking the styles of Fellini and Bergman. It delves deeply into themes of family dysfunction, artistic legacy, and personal trauma, incorporating witty moments such as a nod to Woody Allen’s Another Woman.
Gustav’s Return Sparks Family Conflict Over Past, Property, And A Controversial Biopic
Stellan Skarsgård stars as Gustav Borg, a once-celebrated auteur whose career is fading. Having abandoned his family years ago, he returns after the death of his ex-wife, Sissel. Their daughters, Nora (played by Renate Reinsve), a famous stage actress grappling with anxiety, and Agnes, who is more settled but still affected by her past, confront their complicated feelings towards their father and their shared family history.
As Nora and Agnes sort through their late mother’s belongings in their childhood home, they discover Gustav’s legal claim to the property. Gustav plans to shoot a biopic about their grandmother, a Nazi torture victim who committed suicide there. He wants Nora to play the lead role and also asks to use Agnes’s young son as a child actor, reigniting old resentments and tensions within the family.
A Bittersweet Comedy Revealing Showbiz Ruthlessness, Family Betrayal, And Changing Cinematic Landscapes
The film evolves into a bittersweet black comedy about the ruthlessness of show business and family betrayal, reminiscent of All About Eve. It also contemplates the aging film industry’s changes, such as Gustav’s reluctant replacement of a veteran cinematographer. Cinephile jokes pepper the story, including an ironic gift of shocking DVDs to a child who lacks a player, highlighting how technology shifts cultural impact.
The movie culminates in a sentimental acknowledgment of Gustav’s flawed genius and complicated love for his daughters. While sprawling and indulgent, the film offers both humor and poignancy, reflecting Joachim Trier’s own artistic introspection and the bittersweet nature of family and legacy.
