The Sunlit Night 2020

Frances finds herself in a challenging situation right from the start as art evaluators critique her work rather harshly. Following a painful breakup with her boyfriend, she returns to her parents’ apartment—both artists themselves. Her mother crafts interior textiles for the wealthy, while her father illustrates medical books.

Upon her unexpected arrival from the couple’s lake house, she confides in her sister, Gaby, about her breakup. The disheartening news quickly reaches her parents, with an unexpected twist—her mother discovers a leech attached to Frances’ rear end. While her mom handles the “best posterior in New York,” Frances’ phone buzzes with the news that her residency in Tokyo has gone to another artist. As the family sits down for a meal, Gaby announces her engagement, but the moment is marred by news of her parents’ separation, resulting in a heavy silence as her father criticizes Gaby’s fiancé.

Later, her father offers Frances a small workspace in his studio, sharing his worries about Gaby’s ability to look after herself. Frances reassures him, asserting that her sister is on track in law school. Soon, she meets with a career counselor, who secures her a residency with Nils Auerman in a remote area of Norway.

When Frances arrives, she is greeted by a curt and moody Nils. Eager to impress, she heaps praise upon him and the stunning landscapes, which she likens to a painting. They travel to her temporary home—a trailer situated by the water. The first night is restless for Frances, as the midnight sun keeps her awake due to insufficient curtains.

Her next day is filled with anticipation as she visits the barn where she is to collaborate with Nils. However, he quickly dampens her enthusiasm, advising her to reserve the word “amazing” for truly exceptional experiences. Frances is tasked with painting the interior while Nils handles the exterior, assuming it would be an easy paint-by-numbers task.

During a grocery trip, Frances is captivated by a clerk reminiscent of Renaissance goddesses, only to receive an indifferent response when attempting conversation. Nils eventually invites her over for a fish dinner, only for her to be startled by the company of goats that wander around her trailer.

As the days pass, she encounters Yasha, whom she requests Nils to stop for on the roadside, but he refuses, insisting they maintain their work schedule. At work, her longing to create her own pieces is met with Nils’s disapproval, asserting they don’t have the time.

One day, she discovers locals engaged in medieval activities, including archery and crafting. There, she meets Haldor, a Viking enthusiast from Cincinnati, who appears to take his role quite seriously. Returning to work, Nils expresses frustration over her wandering spirit, even going so far as to criticize her painting technique physically. Upset by his harshness, Frances storms out and serendipitously spots Yasha at a restaurant, yet he appears distant and lost.

Upon returning to her trailer, Nils expresses his apologies with a flower, explaining their contrasting colors of orange and blue. When Frances spots Yasha at the Viking museum, she learns he is there to pay respects to his late father, who desired a Viking funeral. Yasha’s grief unfolds as he reflects on his father’s life as a baker, creating an emotional moment, especially as he speaks of feeling “finally free.”

Later, Yasha and Frances explore the mountains, share drinks, and their relationship intensifies. However, upon returning to the barn, they find themselves interrupted by representatives from the Norwegian Art Institute (NKI) inspecting their work, causing them both to apologize to Nils before making their hasty exit.

Frances eventually returns to New York, where Haldor wonders if he may actually be a “troll.” His new acquaintance, the grocery store clerk, reveals her fondness for such people, suggesting a burgeoning friendship.

Upon her return, Frances discovers that Gaby is now married, and her father’s anxious speech about his concerns regarding her sister’s marriage choices adds another layer of tension. Nevertheless, Frances receives a letter from Nils revealing that their barn has passed inspection and is now officially recognized on the map, prompting a smile from her as she realizes Nils’s talent is more resilient than she once thought. The closing scene showcases Frances’ artwork being celebrated by the same evaluators who had initially scorned her, marking a triumphant return and rediscovery of her creative spirit.