Renowned Norwegian director Erik Poppe (known for works like “Utoya- July 22,” “Quisling,” and “1,000 Times Goodnight”) has commenced production in Norway on his latest relationship drama titled “Bad Moon Rising” (working title), based on the original screenplay by 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Jon Fosse.
“Jon has a tremendous reputation in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Collaborating with him, along with my longtime producer at Paradox [Finn Gjerdrum] and SF Studios, is thrilling,” Poppe shared with Variety.
The narrative centers on a couple in their early thirties, Asle and Gerd, who reside in a quaint coastal town in Western Norway with their son. Initially, their relationship blossoms, but Asle’s yearning for the sea leads him away, leaving Gerd solitary with their child in the village, which creates tensions and challenges in their bond.
“I was taken aback when I first read Jon’s script,” Poppe remarked. “It encapsulates Fosse’s signature style, yet it feels more open and accessible than some of his earlier literary works.” He highlighted that his challenge lies in “expressing the unspoken, particularly when communication begins to fade between individuals who are intimately connected; it’s about crafting a vibrant and engaging cinematic experience filled with silences, stares, and pauses.”
In the lead roles of Asle and Gerd, two emerging talents take center stage: Leo de la Nuez, known for his roles in NRK’s romantic comedy “For Evy & Always” and HBO’s “Beforeigners,” alongside theater actress Kristi-Helene Engberg, who starred in Gunnar Vikene’s “War Sailor.”
“Leo and Kristi-Helene may be relatively unknown to the broader audience, but they possess immense talent that I have closely followed,” Poppe stated. “Their nuanced yet profound interpretation of Jon Fosse’s worldview brings a natural rhythm and dialogue that will allow Fosse’s drama to reach and resonate with a wider audience.”
Another vital aspect for the director of “The Emigrants” is the dramatic ambiance provided by the Hardangerfjord—recognized as the fifth-longest fjord in the world—and the rugged beauty of Stadlandet in Western Norway, which he described as almost character-like in its presence. “It’s not just picturesque; it’s a starkly beautiful setting that serves as a backdrop for a deeply personal and universally relatable tale,” Poppe remarked.
Producing the film is Finn Gjerdrum, Poppe’s longtime collaborator, under the SF Studios’ Norwegian division Paradox, with support from the Norwegian Film Institute, Zefyr Media Fund, Film i Väst, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, and Storyline. SF Studios, holding the Nordic distribution rights, plans to release the film in 2026.
Reinvent International manages global sales.
“We are tremendously proud to represent ‘Bad Moon Rising’ on the international front. Erik Poppe stands out as a distinctive voice in Scandinavian cinema, and this film exemplifies his creativity and aspirations. It is a gripping, globally relevant story that we are confident will resonate with audiences and buyers alike,” stated Helene Aurø, Director of Sales and Marketing at Reinvent.
Poppe’s previous film, “Quisling-The Final Days,” which explored the notorious figure of Norwegian Prime Minister and Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling, was sold by REinvent across various territories including the US, Canada, Benelux, and Australia.
Credit: Helge Skodvin, Paradox, SF Studios
