Director Amalie Næsby Fick's 'What Lies Between Us' Heads to Toronto with a Moral Dilemma
The film "What Lies Between Us" (originally titled "Good Mothers") is set to premiere in Toronto's Discovery section and is one of three Danish films shortlisted for the country's Oscar entry. It reunites "Borgen" stars Sidse Babette Knudsen and Sofie Gråbøl in their first joint screen appearance. The suspense drama, co-written by Nikolaj Arcel, poses the question of whether a parent would defend their child no matter what.
The feature, previously titled "Good Mothers" and known locally as "Dobbeltfejl," brings together two acclaimed Danish actresses for their debut on-screen pairing. Sidse Babette Knudsen and Sofie Gråbøl headline the project, which is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa.
Alongside its selection for Toronto's Discovery program, the title is one of three candidates vying to represent Denmark at the Academy Awards. The script was a collaboration between Nikolaj Arcel and Sara Isabella Jønsson, while actress Asta Kamma August appears in the supporting cast.
The film's central moral dilemma—whether a parent would defend a child regardless of the circumstances—could resonate deeply with audiences, prompting reflection on the boundaries of parental loyalty and ethical responsibility. By pairing two highly respected actresses, the project may draw significant attention to Danish cinema on the international stage. Its Oscar shortlisting could further elevate the film's profile, potentially influencing how international distributors and festival programmers perceive Nordic suspense dramas.