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

Scandinavia’s heavyweight sales outfit TrustNordisk has picked up international rights to the “The Last Resort” (“Ø”) by Maria Sødahl. The Norwegian writer-director’s previous drama “Hope,” starring Stellan Skarsgård and Andrea Bræin Hovig, earned her an Oscar shortlist berth in 2021.

In her first Danish pic, co-penned with Eske Troelstrup (“Shadow of Victory”) and Therese Hasman, top actors Danica Curcic (“The Chestnut Man,” “Silent Heart)” and Esben Smed (“Families Like Ours,” “A Fortunate Man)” star as a couple, holidaying in an exclusive resort on a Greek Island with their daughters. When a stranger suddenly approaches them and asks for help, they agree to assist him, but as he asks for more, they start fearing for their own safety. 

“My previous films are shamelessly autobiographical,” Sødahl said. “The Last Resort” opens for a larger story with a more complex universe. A story where our Scandinavian protagonists start out as diplomatic humanists, until xenophobia leads them to act in full paranoia, primal and violence. The suspense is strong, and the gaze is unsentimental, in a story about us, for us and by us.”

TrustNordisk sales director Nikolai Korsgaard said: “Your core humanistic beliefs are really put to the ultimate test in this film, as the act of helping others turns into a moral dilemma. The film addresses a major global crisis, making it timely and relevant for a greater audience.”

Nordisk Film Production’s Thomas Robsahm (“The Worst Person in the World”) who collaborated earlier with Sødahl on “Hope,” is producing with Sigurd Mikal Karoliussen (“Twin”). Norway’s Eye Eye Pictures (“Armand”) is co-producing, with support from the Danish Film Institute, the Norwegian Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, in association with TV2 Denmark. 

TrustNordisk’s other features to be showcased at the Göteborg Film Festival‘s film market take in the works in progress “Home” by actor-turned director Marijana Jankovic, “My First Love” by Mari Storstein and four completed titles screening at the market: the Sundance-selected “Sauna” by Mathias Broe, “Acts of Love” by Jeppe Rønde, “Three Men and Vilma” by Charlotte Blom and Göteborg Festival opener “Safe House” by Eirik Svensson.

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