Next of Kin (Arven)

Description

Kai Skaug, a wealthy shipowner, unexpectedly dies at the age of 54. The arriving relatives are horrified to discover that the will has a catch: Skaug's immense fortune must be managed collectively by a 'united family' – otherwise, it goes to the cancer league. The polite family gathering descends into chaos as old conflicts resurface. Next of Kin was selected for the main competition at Cannes and was highly praised by Ingmar Bergman. (lf) In true Norwegian tradition à la Henrik Ibsen, Anja Breien in Next of Kin analytically dissects the rigid Scandinavian morality surrounding a bourgeois family. 'Anja Breien opts for a material approach rather than a psychological one; she films the family relationships like a ballet rather than through the prism of a main character. In this drama that turns into a satirical comedy, Anja Breien dissects the disintegration of a family. All social barriers fall – parental love, tact, family ties... – making way for simmering conflicts, small resentments, and great betrayal. Breien's humor – and undoubtedly her irony – is as sharp as it is lively.' (Festival Lumière) Contributors and additional information: Director: Anja Breien Screenplay: Anja Breien Camera: Erling Thurmann-Andersen Editing: Merete Brusendorf, Henning Carlsen, Christian Hartkopp Cast: Espen Skjønberg (Jon Skaug), Anita Björk (Märta Skaug), Häge Juve (Hanna Skaug), Jan Hårstad (Jonas Skaug)