Next of Kin (Arven)

Kai Skaug, a wealthy shipowner, dies unexpectedly at the age of 54. The relatives who have travelled to the funeral are shocked to discover that there is a catch to the will: Skaug’s immense fortune must be managed jointly by a ‘united family’ – otherwise it will go to the Cancer Society. The polite family gathering descends into chaos as old conflicts resurface. Next of Kin was selected for the main competition at Cannes, where it was highly praised by Ingmar Bergman. (lf)

In true Norwegian tradition à la Henrik Ibsen, Anja Breien’s Next of Kin focuses on the middle-class family in order to analytically dissect rigid Scandinavian morality. ‘Anja Breien opts for a material rather than a psychological approach; she films family relationships like a ballet rather than through the prism of a central character. In this drama, which veers into satirical comedy, Anja Breien dissects the breakdown of a family. All social barriers come crashing down – parental love, tact, family ties … – making way for smouldering conflicts, petty resentments and major betrayals. Breien’s humour – and undoubtedly her irony too – is as biting as it is lively.” (Lumière Festival)