Sebastian Stan, the Oscar-nominated actor, is receiving acclaim for his latest film, “Fjord,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is set to hit theatres on 9 October. In this poignant drama, Stan portrays a Romanian patriarch whose family moves from their native Romania to Norway.
Directed by Cristian Mungiu, a two-time Palme d’Or winner known for his impactful storytelling, “Fjord” explores the disintegration of a family faced with accusations of child abuse. The emotional weight of the story is enhanced by Stan’s dedication to authentically recreating his character’s background, as he speaks in Romanian throughout and adopts both a Romanian and a Norwegian accent for the role.
At the film’s premiere on 10 September, Stan shared his excitement about returning to his roots. He noted that growing up, the Romanian language and accent were an intrinsic part of his life. “I grew up with it,” Stan stated. “To be honest, I don’t know how to describe it. Imagine if you were right-handed or left-handed. You would write with your left hand all your life, and you just didn’t know it.” This personal connection fuels his performance, allowing him to bring authenticity to the character.
Having immigrated to the United States from Romania via Austria at the age of eight, reconnecting with his cultural heritage was deeply significant for Stan. The actor reflected on the experience, recalling a sense of familiarity and comfort while working with a predominantly Romanian crew. “It was a weird, familiar feeling being surrounded by these people who shared a similar sense of humour and identity,” he mentioned. “That really came alive for me during the production.”
A particularly touching aspect of this project for Stan is the pride it brings to his mother, Georgeta Orlovschi, who remains an important figure in his life. He expressed anticipation for her reaction to the film, saying, “My mom is very proud. We’ll see; she hasn’t seen the movie yet, so I’m very curious what her thoughts are going to be.” His focus on family and heritage resonates throughout the film, reflecting the themes of connection and identity threaded through the narrative.
One of the film’s unique attributes is that it was not produced by a major Hollywood studio, which led to a distinct filming style and approach to the production. Director Mungiu commented on the necessity of shooting in Europe under more modest conditions than those typical for A-list actors. “He agreed to work in our European conditions, and that was essential,” Mungiu noted. He emphasised the collaborative spirit that defined the project, with the cast and crew sharing accommodations and a down-to-earth working environment.
In a post-screening discussion, Stan acknowledged that he had realistic expectations about the filming conditions when he accepted the role. “I didn’t go to this set with any surprises about what we were doing. I was open for that,” he explained, highlighting his willingness to fully immerse himself in the experience.
“Fjord” promises to resonate with viewers not only through its gripping narrative but also through the authenticity brought by Stan’s connection to the material. As the release date approaches, there is a growing buzz surrounding the film, with audiences eager to witness the merging of personal history and cinematic storytelling.
With its theatrical release set for 9 October, “Fjord” is poised to make an impact, potentially positioning Stan for further acclaim in the industry. His journey back to his Romanian roots through this lens of storytelling is bound to evoke strong emotions and provoke reflection among audiences, making it a film to watch this autumn.