Adam's Apples 2007

Neo-Nazi Adam O. Pedersen (Ulrich Thomsen), currently on probation, arrives at a quaint countryside church to serve three months of community service. He’s greeted by local priest Ivan Fjeldsted (Mads Mikkelsen), who picks him up in a small van. Adam shows his disdain by refusing to shake hands or engage in conversation.

Upon arriving at the church, Ivan proudly shows off a large apple tree in the yard, indicating that it’s harvest season, even though the apples aren’t quite ripe yet. Inside the church, Ivan introduces Adam to fellow community service workers, Khalid (Ali Kazim) and Gunnar (Nicolas Bro). The atmosphere becomes tense as Khalid recoils at Adam’s bald head and visible tattoos, which prominently feature Nazi symbols.

In a private conversation in Ivan’s office, Adam is encouraged to set a personal goal during his stay. He vows to bake an enormous apple pie using fruit from the apple tree. Ivan agrees and tasks Adam with caring for the tree until the apples ripen by August 1st. During this discussion, Ivan shares his perspective, arguing that everyone can find goodness if they look for it, regardless of their past. He offers insight into Khalid and Gunnar’s troubled histories, both of whom have found a semblance of redemption at the church.

As Adam settles into his new living space, he begins to unpack, placing Nazi literature and personal items in the cupboard while discarding a small flower with disdain. The next morning, Khalid rings the church bells, waking Adam up, leading to an awkward church service with minimal attendees. A confrontational episode occurs when a member, Poul Nordkap (Gyrd Løfquist), attempts to leave during the sermon, resulting in a tense standoff with Ivan.

Adam’s relationship with both the church and his fellow service workers rapidly deteriorates. During a confrontation with Gunnar, Adam’s frustrations boil over when his belongings are stolen, leading to a physical fight between the two. Similarly, his anger intensifies over the presence of crows pecking at the apples, prompting him to construct a scarecrow.

The arrival of Sarah Svendsen (Paprika Steen) throws an emotional curveball into Adam’s routine as she shares her sobering story. Throughout her struggles with alcoholism and an unwanted pregnancy, Ivan tries to guide her, but Adam’s cynicism causes friction between them. Even mundane church duties lead to ridiculous disputes as Adam tries to gain insight into their collective burdens.

As the tension builds, Adam’s struggles with his past and present intertwine. He exposes hidden truths about Ivan’s life, including traumatic memories of his family; this confrontation culminates in Adam attacking Ivan out of frustration. Adam seeks reassurance and encouragement, but Ivan’s dismissive responses continue to infuriate him.

When Adam’s old friend Esben brings him a gun, tensions reach a peak. Believing he’s asserting control, Adam’s plan instead leads to dark consequences, prompting more violence and confrontation among the group. As they engage in heists and violence, Adam attempts to balance hatred with a quest for redemption.

Events spiral out of his control, forcing Adam and Ivan into increasingly dangerous confrontations with neo-Nazi groups. Adam’s unpredictability leads to disastrous outcomes, particularly when he confronts his past loyalties and present responsibilities. The church becomes a battleground for ideologies, personal demons, and revelations.

Ultimately, a storm brings metaphorical and literal destruction, forcing Adam to confront his relationship with Ivan and the deeper consequences of their actions. The final showdown culminates in a significant, life-altering conflict for both characters. As the dust settles, both Adam and Ivan are left to navigate a world transformed by violence, existential questioning, and the fragile nature of redemption.

In a poignant conclusion, Adam helps Ivan face the scars of their past, ultimately grasping the importance of confronting your demons. As new characters arrive at the church, it becomes evident that the cycle of conflict and potential healing continues, with Adam learning to embrace the complexities of his identity and the choices he must make.