The Sunlit Night

The events unfold in present-day times, with modern art residencies and contemporary relationships at the center. The Arctic summer brings 24-hour daylight, intensifying both the creative process and emotional revelations. Frances travels from a New York studio to a remote Norwegian locale as part of a residency. The plot weaves between daily work hours and personal milestones in a current, real-world setting.

The story shifts between Frances's urban New York life and a windswept Norwegian coast where a trailer sits by the water. The remote North Norwegian setting features a Viking village, a museum, and a rugged landscape that shapes the characters. Key locations include the sea, a yellow-painted barn, a busy grocery store, and the dramatic arctic daylight that never fully fades. The environment acts as both backdrop and catalyst for the artistic journey.

🎨 Creative awakening

Frances arrives in Norway with high hopes and confronts early criticism that tests her confidence. The harsh but honest feedback from Nils forces her to refine technique and push past self-doubt. The endless daylight and stark landscape become a mirror for her evolving artistic voice. By the end, her work gains recognition, signaling growth beyond external judgment.

💔 Family and freedom

The film juxtaposes familial expectations with the protagonist's pursuit of autonomy, highlighting parental worry and siblings' milestones. Frances navigates tensions at home—their separation, Gabby's engagement, and the sense of obligation—while seeking personal creative freedom. This tension shapes her decisions and resilience in a new, challenging environment. Ultimately, she asserts her own path through her evolving art.

🌊 Nature as muse

The Arctic coast, Viking culture, and ritualistic elements frame Frances's artistic process. The environment offers beauty, danger, and discipline, pushing her to adapt her vision to a different scale and tradition. The landscape, goats, and sea become integral to the color and mood of her paintings. The culmination shows how nature and culture together catalyze authentic creative expression.