My Wonderful Stranger

In her directorial debut, a protégé of Joachim Trier explores class differences, outsider status, and its violent potential through an unconventional connection between two people. 18-year-old loner Ebba works part-time in a cleaning service, occasionally sipping wine and stealing expensive trinkets from wealthy clients. At the same time, she dreams of a higher social status, renting a place in an elite neighborhood of Oslo, and having imaginary conversations with her neighbors. One day, after a shift at the capital's harbor, Ebba discovers a handsome young man lying on the ground who remembers nothing about who he is or how he got there. Instead of seeking help, the cleaner lies to the man, claiming they are a couple—as having a charming lover could be another step toward the life she has long dreamed of. However, as their relationship, built on lies, strengthens and Ebba learns more about the mysterious past of the stranger, she begins to realize that the biggest deception in this story does not come from her.

Original language: English, Norwegian, Bulgarian

Subtitles: Belarusian | English