Maciej Stuhr and Agnieszka Grochowska play Hubert and Maja in this dark comedy set on the idyllic Danish island of Bornholm. Developed from an online audio drama written by director Anna Kazejak and Filip Kasperaszek the film was an instant success on the festival circuit, being awarded the prestigious Europa Cinema Label Award Best European Film at Karlovy Vary 2022.

Drawing comparisons with Ruben Ostlund’s Force Majeure, the film exposes the frayed edges of family dynamics and gives focus to Maja’s dilemmas as a woman (long neglected by her husband) and mother (trying to do the best by her sons). It’s not an easy journey. She isn’t perfect either.

Impressive widescreen camerawork from Jakub Stolecki showing beautiful sandy beaches and a strong orchestral score (by jazz musician Jerzy Rogiewicz, also credited on Tata) combine to amplify the smart, cutting dialogue. We laugh and also recognise the psychological torments. Does any family vacation actually live up to expectations?