NORDIC HIGHLIGHTS
In the family’s ancestral home, Esther, a strong and steadfast high-school teacher (now retired), and her husband Poul, a reasoned and rational doctor (also retired), are waiting for their guests. The first to arrive are Heidi (their controlling eldest daughter) with her browbeaten husband Michael and their sullen teenage son, Jonathan. Heidi is clearly a “daddy’s girl,” and she openly seeks her father’s consolation. We soon learn that, a few months before, the family had promised to help Esther, who is suffering from an advanced case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to commit suicide. All the members of the family seem to have accepted this decision after a little reflection. Esther’s last wish is to spend one last weekend together as a family in their home.
The film won the major Danish film awards – Bodil – for best film, best supporting actor (Pilou Asbæk), best actress (Danica Curcic) and best screenplay (2014). But Paprika Steen won received Silver Seashell Awards for best actress in San Sebastián International Film Festival (2014)
