Norwegian Dream, directed by Levi Igor Devils, is a Norwegian romantic drama that explores the immigrant experience.

Norwegian Dream follows Robert, a Polish immigrant who heads to Norway in search of a better life. Struggling with the exploitative conditions of factory work, will Robert find his escape in the arms of a fellow worker, or will the bleak, barren landscape consume him?

The film covers a lot of ground in its 95-minute run.

At a glance you might think Norwegian Dream is a classic trope – a closeted gay man gets slowly stroked out of hiding by his new love interest – and you’d be almost half right.

As Robert settles in to his new surroundings, it’s not long before he notices Ivar, and quick glances over the shoulder soon develop into lingering stares and secret rendezvous. And let’s not forget, the film comes from Peccadillo Pictures so it’s no surprise that Milkowski is just a tad better looking than anyone you’ve ever met in real life (and let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a Pecca Pic if the handsome lead didn’t get his kit off a few times). However Norwegian Dream has surprisingly more to offer.

The blossoming feelings between the two workers are more of a subplot. The real focus is on the harsh realities faced by the factory workers. The conditions are poor when Robert arrives and deteriorate further as the film progresses. While these issues are very real, it feels as though the filmmakers used Robert’s sexuality crisis to highlight them to a broader audience.

The majority of the film is set against a backdrop of barren, grey-skied Norwegian fields and car yards. The first ten minutes flip between the tedious life of a clinical factory production line and a bleak living environment, setting the scene for Robert’s situation and adding a touch of despair to resonate with the audience. However, when Robert heads to the city to help Ivar with a job, the set comes to life with interesting characters and bright, vivid colors that represent a different world to Robert—a direct contrast to his new norm.

Hubert Milkowski delivers a compelling performance as Robert, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and fear of being outed in a predominantly heterosexual environment. His portrayal keeps the audience on edge, wondering whether Robert will embrace his feelings for Ivar or succumb to his internalized homophobia.

Norwegian Dream is a gloomy yet compelling film that focuses more on the journey than the destination. It effectively highlights the exploitation faced by immigrants and factory workers, while also exploring the complexities of identity and love. Though it may not offer a happy ending (or does it? No spoilers here) it leaves a lasting impression on its audience.