The Art of Crying (2007)

In the early 70s, Southern Jutland harbors the tale of a dysfunctional family - a narrative woven into the fabric of the rural landscape. The story centers around Allan, an unusually mature eleven-year-old boy who finds himself in the unenviable position of holding his family together. His father, Henry, the local milkman, is both his idol and the family's tormentor, a man whose tempestuous threats of suicide and violent tantrums echo through the night. Despite the chaotic home environment, Allan views his family dynamics as typical, his innocence blurring the lines between the ordinary and the toxic. He is mystified by the retreat of his family members - his older brother's departure, his mother's reliance on pills to escape the madness, and his sister Sanne's escalating rebellious antics. As the societal changes of the seventies ripple through their small town, Allan's fixation shifts to a rival family. Once dismissed as mere white trash, they now pose a threat, chipping away at Henry's milk clientele and thus, his dominance. Allan's frustration grows as his mother dismisses his father's grievances, and confusion mounts as Sanne's behavior spirals into the realm of the bizarre. Under the heavy influence of his father and unable to grasp the reality of his circumstances, Allan stumbles down a path of shocking deeds. Unaware of their true gravity, he commits acts that leave an indelible mark on his life and those around him. "The Art of Crying" is a poignant exploration of a child's desperate attempts to preserve the notion of family amidst the crumbling reality of dysfunction and manipulation.

The Art of Crying is a drama movie featuring Jannik Lorenzen and directed by Peter Schønau Fog.

The Art of Crying is currently streaming on Mubi.