Armand

Two mothers, two sons, one school incident. This succinctly encapsulates one of the year's standout debuts—Armand. A contentious situation among primary school students prompts a meeting with their parents. Elizabeth starkly contrasts with Sarah and her husband Anders, but the film vehemently challenges stereotypes and snap judgments. The question of who is to blame gradually eclipses the struggle to uncover the truth, while also raising the unsettling possibility of a mother's flawed perception of her own child. The mediators in this escalating conflict are the headmistress and teachers, who embody the tragicomic helplessness and absurdities of the Norwegian education system. Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, winner of the Golden Camera, masterfully confines the action to school halls and a few long hours, gradually ramping up the tension and emotional intensity. His mature direction deftly oscillates between dramatic and comedic tones, making Armand difficult to categorize. This complexity is further enhanced by eccentric musical interludes and the outstanding performance of Renate Reinsve, who recently captivated audiences in The Worst Person in the World. The scene of her character's uncontrollable laughter is poised to become iconic in cinema history.