DEN STORE STILHED

2022 / 95 min / color

A young woman named Alma (a focused and fascinating Kristine Kujath Thorp), the protagonist of Danish director Katrine Brocks’ feature debut, lives a secluded life in a convent. While she prepares to take her vows and become a nun, her estranged brother Erik (Elliot Crosset Hove, magnetic as always) shows up unexpectedly. He’s a troubled young man with a dark past; he just got out of prison and he wants his share of the family inheritance — which his sister has already gifted to the order. Alma will have to face matters she desperately wants to leave behind, including the consequences of a mysterious, long-forgotten incident. This is an intimate and electrifying tale of deceit, family secrets, lies and forgiveness that features exceptional lead performances. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end when the film’s masterful dramaturgy builds to an explosive and unexpected finale.

• Chicago IFF – Roger Ebert Award (New Directors Competition)