Phoenix 15

"An intelligent blend of coming-of-age drama and dark fable" - Total Film

A dark and twisting coming-of-age drama from Norway, Phoenix follows Jill, a teenager who has spent her life caring for her mother and younger brother. When her estranged father arranges to visit on Jill’s birthday, it gives her a much-needed light at the end of the tunnel. So when tragedy strikes, Jill decides to keep it a secret from everyone around her.

Fearlessly charting the horror of parental substance abuse and mental illness, Phoenix is also eloquent on the pain of being forced to grow up too quickly: showing Jill as resourceful and resilient, but also touchingly desperate to hold on to her childhood. Courageous and moving, it marks its director out as one to watch.