Swann Arlaud is tested in Sukkwan Island @Sundance 2025

On the rugged and remote terrain of Sukkwan Island, where the wilderness breathes a mixture of awe and foreboding, a father and son embark on a journey that promises adventure but delivers something far more profound. Thirteen-year-old Roy reluctantly agrees to spend a year in the untamed Norwegian fjords with his estranged father, Tom. What begins as a hopeful opportunity to reconnect quickly unravels into a harrowing test of survival, exposing the fragile fault lines of their relationship and the darker depths of their struggles.

Based on the novella Sukkwan Island from David Vann’s critically acclaimed book Legend of a Suicide, this cinematic adaptation is the second feature by director Vladimir de Fontenay. Known for his poignant storytelling and evocative visuals in Mobile Homes (2017), de Fontenay crafts a taut psychological thriller that transcends the traditional boundaries of a survival narrative. By weaving elements of familial drama and emotional suspense, he delivers a film that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is deeply unsettling.

Sukkwan Island achieves its powerful impact through the intersection of its visual splendor and emotionally charged performances. The stark, desolate beauty of the fjords is captured with striking precision, evoking a sense of isolation and vulnerability that mirrors the characters’ internal landscapes. This wilderness, both majestic and menacing, becomes a silent character in the story—a reflection of the raw, unfiltered emotions playing out between father and son.

At the heart of the film are the mesmerizing performances by Swann Arlaud and Woody Norman. Arlaud, a three-time César Award winner celebrated for his nuanced roles in films like Bloody Milk and Anatomy of a Fall, delivers a masterclass in portraying a man wrestling with regret, inadequacy, and the weight of his past mistakes. His portrayal of Tom is layered with a complexity that oscillates between genuine attempts at connection and the emotional volatility that threatens to tear apart the fragile bond he is trying to build.

Opposite Arlaud, Woody Norman shines as Roy, a boy on the cusp of manhood yet burdened by the shadows of his father’s unresolved turmoil. Norman’s performance is both restrained and deeply evocative, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a teenager navigating an environment—and a relationship—fraught with peril. Together, Arlaud and Norman bring a dynamic, evolving relationship to life, marked by tentative gestures of closeness, moments of vulnerability, and the bittersweet exchange of roles as father and son grapple with their changing dynamic.

As the narrative unfolds, the film steadily intensifies, moving beyond its initial premise of adventure and survival to explore the deeper psychological tensions between the characters. Tom’s unresolved anguish over the collapse of his family looms large, colouring every interaction and decision. This emotional turbulence adds layers of tension to the story, building to a surprising and poignant conclusion that reframes the journey in unexpected ways. De Fontenay’s ability to balance the external challenges of the wilderness with the internal struggles of his characters results in a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.

Ultimately, Sukkwan Island is a testament to the power of storytelling that delves into the complexities of human relationships. It is a film that challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about family, connection, and the scars left by unresolved pain. Through its breathtaking cinematography, masterful direction, and unforgettable performances, Sukkwan Island stands as a compelling exploration of the lengths we go to for reconciliation and the profound consequences when those efforts falter.

In Sukkwan Island, Vladimir de Fontenay has created a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a tale of survival—not just against the harsh realities of nature, but against the storms within ourselves. The result is a film that resonates deeply, blending the visceral thrills of a survival drama with the poignant introspection of a father-son saga. FERNTV says that anything that Swann Arlaud is in turns into gold.