The Kiss

In Denmark in 1913, all young Anton wants is to finish his training as a cavalry officer. During an exercise he helps Baron von Løvenskjold and is invited to a ball at the castle, where he meets the baron's daughter Edith, who has used a wheelchair since an accident. The more his tenderness towards her grows, the harder one question becomes: is this pity or is it love? Bille August, adapting a Stefan Zweig novel loosely, is making a film about the cost of compassion. Promises given in good faith pile on top of one another until stepping back is no longer possible. He shoots it in cold northern light, without dressing it up as a period piece, and simply watches two people get wedged against each other. Esben Smed and Clara Rosager lead, with Lars Mikkelsen and David Dencik alongside them.