"Fjord", the Palme d'Or-winning family drama starring Sebastian Stan, opens in select theatres on October 9 before expanding nationwide on October 23, arriving in cinemas amid heated debate over its themes.
The film, loosely inspired by a true story, stars Stan as Mihai, a stern Romanian patriarch, opposite Renate Reinsve as his Norwegian wife Lisbet. When the family relocates to her hometown, teachers discover bruises on the children, child protective services takes them away, and a prolonged legal battle follows.
Cannes recognition
"Fjord" won the Palme d'Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in May 2026. It is written and directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, and it is Stan's first film in which he substantially speaks his native Romanian. Stan, 44, was Oscar-nominated for his portrayal of Donald Trump in "The Apprentice".
Stan rejects 'MAGA film' label
Speaking to USA Today in an interview published October 8, Stan rejected claims that the film "props up right-wing ideology," calling the "MAGA film" label laughable. "It is essentially about an immigrant family going to a different country and being torn apart," he said.
Sources:
USA Today: Sebastian Stan 'Fjord' movie interview
The film, loosely inspired by a true story, stars Stan as Mihai, a stern Romanian patriarch, opposite Renate Reinsve as his Norwegian wife Lisbet. When the family relocates to her hometown, teachers discover bruises on the children, child protective services takes them away, and a prolonged legal battle follows.
Cannes recognition
"Fjord" won the Palme d'Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in May 2026. It is written and directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, and it is Stan's first film in which he substantially speaks his native Romanian. Stan, 44, was Oscar-nominated for his portrayal of Donald Trump in "The Apprentice".
Stan rejects 'MAGA film' label
Speaking to USA Today in an interview published October 8, Stan rejected claims that the film "props up right-wing ideology," calling the "MAGA film" label laughable. "It is essentially about an immigrant family going to a different country and being torn apart," he said.
Sources:
USA Today: Sebastian Stan 'Fjord' movie interview
