The Great Silence

The Nordic countries’ hottest young actresses shine in Danish debut about a young woman's quiet life in a convent, interrupted by a visiting brother and the shameful secrets that bubble to the surface.

Sister Alma, or Silje as she is actually called, lives as a novice in a Catholic monastery and will soon take her eternal vows to become a nun. When her alcoholic brother visits her to claim his share of the inheritance, a family tragedy unravels, which causes Silje to question her life choices. Kristine Kujath Thorp, who can also be seen in the Norwegian Cannes favorite Sick of Myself, and Elliott Crosset Hove, who stars in the competition current Godland, excel as the siblings. Directed by the debuting Katrine Brock, an intimate drama is created in which the peaceful monastery environment is contrasted with the chaotic interior of the main characters.

• Annie Karlsson