Director-writer Lisa Jespersen’s feature debut Persona Non Grata is a family drama with darkly comedic elements.
Celebrated writer Irina lives a bohemian hipster life in Copenhagen. She and her writer-boyfriend Benjamin have an open relationship, and spend their days surrounded by creatives and intellectuals. Irina reluctantly returns one weekend to her family’s farm in rural Jutland for her brother’s wedding. Her reluctance turns to horror when she realises brother Jannick is marrying Catrine, the woman who bullied her and made her childhood hell. Irina must face her demons, literally, and make some kind of peace with her family, her upbringing, and herself.
Jespersen’s script is masterful and precise. Every line adds something. Every interaction builds on the complexity of the characters. She has used humour judiciously, often gently poking fun at Irina and her hipster friends, rather than going for the easy target of the rural “bumpkin” family. There are no caricatures here.
Rosalinde Mynster (currently seen in the new series of Darkness: Those Who Kill) shines as the conflicted Irina. Anne Sofie Wanstrup is superb, giving us a Catrine that we dislike, yet ultimately empathise with. Prolific Danish actor Bodil Jørgensen gives a measured and intelligent performance as Irina’s mother Jane. And Adam Ild Rohweder delivers a Jannick who is more than the lovable buffoon he first appears to be. This is very much an ensemble piece, including hilariously realistic scenes of the family talking over each other.
Cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro, who also worked on the wonderful Hope from this year’s festival, has used the Danish rural setting to great effect, allowing naturalistic light to underline a sense of place.
Persona Non Grata delivers in every department. It is confronting, humorous, quirky, and intelligent. It is perfectly cast, perfectly shot, and perfectly directed.
Jespersen is a filmmaker to watch closely over the coming years.
Persona Non Grata recently screened as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend.
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