
The second feature by Norwegian director Jorunn Myklebust Syversen is a masterfully performed vivisection of a religious community—in this case one that bears the hallmarks a dangerous cult. The protagonist, teenage Mirjam (an electrifying performance by the rising star of Scandinavian cinema Josefine Frida Pettersen), regularly participates in dance competitions. The sexual tension that awakens in her, boosted by the erotic atmosphere of this type of competition, is juxtaposed with the conservative Christian faith of her entire family. When Mirjam suddenly starts to lose a series of competitions, her mother and stepdad, who are members of a disturbingly fanatical church, accuse her of a lack of religious zeal. With no source of support, Mirjam starts to seek out radical solutions for her doubts and problems. Disco doesn’t just examine the shocking realities of closed religious communities; it also exposes the absurdity of extreme rules and dogmas. The director skillfully uses her protagonist’s coming of age story to carry out a harsh criticism of all types of fanaticism.
Jorunn Myklebust Syversen
Jorunn Myklebust Syversen
Marius Matzow Gulbrandsen
Marius Christiansen, Thom Hell
Josefine Frida, Kjærsti Odden Skjeldal, Nicolai Cleve Broch, Andrea Bræin Hovig, Espen Klouman Høiner
Norway