Bitch Hug

The events take place in contemporary times, following a young woman transitioning from high school to adulthood. The narrative unfolds in familiar, real-world spaces—home, school, parties, and outdoor locales—without a defined historical backdrop. The focus is on modern teenage life, relationships, and personal growth.

New York City serves as Kristin's aspirational destination and symbol of possibility. The immediate settings revolve around Gustav's house in the woods, a pool, an attic, and a surrounding fjord that frame the emotional pull of the story. These locations emphasize feelings of isolation, concealment, and the tension between reality and fantasy.

🎭 Identity

Kristin's lie about traveling to New York becomes a catalyst for exploring who she is when appearances and reality clash. Her charm hides insecurities and a need for validation, revealing the fragility of a carefully crafted image. As the deception grows, she confronts what it means to present herself to others and what she is willing to sacrifice. The story uses performance and secrecy to question authenticity.

🤝 Friendship

Andrea emerges as a complicated anchor in Kristin's life—a confidante who reveals vulnerability and resilience. Their evolving bond tests trust, loyalty, and boundaries, especially as pressure mounts from the lie and the media attention it generates. The attic and the fjord become spaces where honest conversation challenges their initial misunderstandings. Together they navigate dependency, protection, and the possibility of real connection.

🌱 Coming of Age

The film traces Kristin's emotional maturation as she confronts adulthood, family absence, and the consequences of her choices. It centers on self-definition rather than romance, showing how truth, forgiveness, and personal accountability shape who she becomes. The journey is about finding a steadier sense of self amidst chaos and rumor. Growth comes from choosing honesty over facade.

🧭 Truth and Consequences

The fake New York trip sparks media attention and internal reflection on responsibility. The editor urges Kristin to tell the story of both the lie and the real journey, highlighting how truth can coexist with creativity. The consequences ripple through friendships, family dynamics, and her own sense of worth. The narrative uses these pressures to probe how people cope with reputations and repercussions.