TrustNordisk Boards ‘Hope Helmer’ Maria Sødahl’s ‘The Last Resort,’ Starring Esben Smet, Danica Curcic (EXCLUSIVE)

International rights for the film “The Last Resort” (Ø) by Norwegian writer-director Maria Sødahl have been acquired by prominent Scandinavian sales company TrustNordisk. Previously, Sødahl’s drama “Hope,” featuring Stellan Skarsgård and Andrea Bræin Hovig, garnered her an Oscar shortlist nomination in 2021.

In the debut Danish film titled “Shadow of Victory,” penned by Eske Troelstrup, Therese Hasman, and Danica Curcic (known for “The Chestnut Man” and “Silent Heart”), leading actors Danica Curcic and Esben Smed (“Families Like Ours” and “A Fortunate Man”) portray a couple enjoying a vacation with their daughters at an exclusive Greek Island resort. However, when a mysterious stranger requests their help, they oblige, but as his demands escalate, they become increasingly concerned for their own well-being.

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: “In my past films, I’ve drawn heavily from personal experiences, but ‘The Last Resort’ offers something different – a broader narrative set within a more intricate world. Initially, our characters are portrayed as compassionate and diplomatic, but as fear of the unknown takes hold, they become consumed by suspicion, raw emotion, and ultimately, violence. The tension throughout is palpable, and the perspective remains unflinchingly realistic, exploring themes that resonate deeply with us as an audience.

Nikolai Korsgaard, sales director at TrustNordisk, commented: “This movie pushes your deeply-held humanitarian values to their limits, as the simple act of assisting others becomes a complex moral conundrum. The film tackles a significant global crisis, making it both current and relatable for a wider audience.

Thomas Robsahm, who previously worked with Sødahl on “Hope,” is now teaming up with Sigurd Mikal Karoliussen (“Twin”) for a new production. The Norwegian company Eye Eye Pictures, known for “Armand,” is also involved in this project, receiving support from the Danish Film Institute, the Norwegian Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, and TV2 Denmark.

The various attributes of TrustNordisk will be highlighted at the film market during the Göteborg Film Festival, featuring projects in progress such as “Home” directed by Marijana Jankovic, “My First Love” by Mari Storstein, and four completed films to be screened: “Sauna,” selected for Sundance, “Acts of Love,” “Three Men and Vilma,” and the festival opener, “Safe House,” all directed by Eirik Svensson.

Göteborg’s Nordic Film Market runs Jan. 29-31. 

Read More

2025-01-23 11:46