Low Expectations

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Low Expectations
NorwegianLave forventninger
Directed byEivind Landsvik
Written byEivind Landsvik
Produced by
  • Lotte Sandbu
  • Synnøve Hørsdal
Starring
CinematographyAndreas Bjørseth
Edited byPatrick Larsgaard
Music by
  • Frederikke Hoffmeier
  • Bendik Hovik Kjeldsberg
Production
companies
Distributed byNordisk Film
Release dates
  • 19 May 2026 (2026-05-19) (Cannes)
  • 23 October 2026 (2026-10-23) (Norway)
Running time
105 minutes
Countries
  • Norway
  • Denmark
LanguageNorwegian

Low Expectations (Norwegian: Lave forventninger) is a 2026 drama film written and directed by Eivind Landsvik, in his directorial debut. It stars Marie Ulven, better known by her stage name Girl in Red, in her feature acting debut. It is an international co-production of Norway and Denmark.

The film had its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on 19 May, where it was nominated for the Caméra d'Or.[1] It is set to be released in Norwegian theatres on 23 October 2026.

Premise

At the height of her career, a musician falls apart and returns to her hometown where she slowly rebuilds her life.[2]

Cast

Production

In January 2025, it was reported that singer Girl in Red would make her acting debut in Low Expectations.[3] During the same month, the project was presented at the Discovery Co-Production Platform at the Nordic Film Market.[4] In April 2025, it received a €291,000 production grant from Eurimages.[5] In January 2026, it returned to the Nordic Film Market and participated at the Works in Progress section.[6]

Cinematographer Andreas Bjørseth shot the film on 16mm.[7]

Release

Low Expectations had its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.[8] Salaud Morisset acquired the film's international sales rights a year prior.[9]

The film is set to release in Norwegian theatres on 23 October 2026.[10]

References

  1. "Low Expectations". Quinzaine des cinéastes. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  2. "Low Expectations". Norwegian Film Institute. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  3. Lang, Jamie (28 January 2025). "Girl in Red to Make Feature Film Debut in Maipo's 'Low Expectations' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  4. Pham, Annika (13 January 2025). "Göteborg Nordic Film Market: 'An Education's' Lone Scherfig, 'Godland's' Hlynur Pálmason, 'Orphanage' Director Shahrbanoo Sadat Make the Cut (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  5. González, David (9 April 2025). "Eurimages supports 23 co-productions". Cineuropa. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  6. Balaga, Marta; Pham, Annika (9 January 2026). "Berlin Golden Bear Prizewinner Dag Johan Haugerud and 'Sami Blood' Director Amanda Kernell Present Projects at Göteborg's Nordic Film Market (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  7. Hazlewood, Kirsty (2026-05-13). "Seven features shot on Kodak film compete for the Palme d'Or at Cannes 2026". Cinematography World. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
  8. "Norwegian Feature Low Expectations Selected for Directors' Fortnight in Cannes". Norwegian Film Institute. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  9. Barraclough, Leo (9 May 2025). "Eivind Landsvik's 'Low Expectations,' Starring Singer Marie Ulven aka Girl in Red, Boarded by Salaud Morisset (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  10. "Eivind Landsviks debutfilm til Cannes – her er programmet for Quinzaine og Kritikeruken". Montages (in Norwegian). 14 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.