Brace Your Heart

Brace Your Heart (2026)



Garrat du Váimmu

0.0 2026 97 min —

Director: Amanda Kernell

Cast: Elli-Sara Valkeapää, Andte Gaup-Juuso, Vincent Niia, Nils Peder Gaup, Siri Marakatt

Drama
High in the isolated mountains of a remote Sámi community, 20-year-old Ejva takes on the responsibility of her deceased father's reindeer herd. While she fights to keep the animals healthy and thriving, the village's influential leader, Heaika, becomes romantically drawn to her. Though uncertain, Ejva feels pressured to reciprocate. Everything shifts, however, with the arrival of Nejla, Heaika's cousin, who awakens in Ejva a profound experience of love for the very first time. Consumed by jealousy and a sense of betrayal, Heaika retaliates cruelly, inflicting on Ejva a condition that causes her hands to tremble beyond her control, endangering her ability to tend the herd. Now, Ejva must summon the strength to take back her life and shape her own destiny.

More About This Film

Brace Your Heart, originally titled Förbannelsen, is a Swedish drama film directed and written by Amanda Kernle. Set against the stark and beautiful backdrop of northern Sweden, the story follows Eiva, who inherits her late father's reindeer herd and struggles to keep it thriving in a harsh environment. She finds herself caught between duty and desire when she is drawn into a complex relationship with Heika, the local leader, while simultaneously experiencing a passionate connection with his cousin, Neila. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of broken trust within a tight-knit community.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when jealousy leads to a tragic confrontation that leaves Eiva with a physical disability, threatening her ability to care for the reindeer and survive in the wilderness. This survival thriller element adds depth to the interpersonal drama, highlighting the unforgiving nature of both human relationships and the Arctic landscape. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026.

  • Amanda Kernle won the Silver Shell for Best Director at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival for this work.
  • The film features dialogue primarily in North Sami and Swedish, preserving the cultural authenticity of the setting.
  • Starring Elli-Sara Valkeapää and Andte Jusso Gaup, the cast brings nuanced performances to this emotionally charged story.
  • The movie has a runtime of 97 minutes, offering a concise yet impactful viewing experience.

Where to Watch

As a recent festival premiere and regional release, availability may vary by territory.