The Painter and the Thief (2020)

In the pulsating heart of Oslo's city center, young Czech artist Barbora Kysilkova, a fresh transplant from Berlin, embarks on her journey to etch her name in the world of painting. However, her dreams are shattered in broad daylight when her two most prized large-format paintings are meticulously stolen from the windowfronts of Galleri Nobel. As she delves into the labyrinth of uncertainty and desperation, an unconventional path opens before her when she comes face to face with the man linked to the heist - the enigmatic Norwegian career criminal, Karl-'Bertil' Nordland. With her world turned upside down, Barbora makes a startling decision that filmmaker Benjamin Ree documents with keen interest - she invites the thief who stripped her of her beloved paintings to sit for a portrait. This daring act weaves a complex tapestry of their lives, intertwining their stories in a narrative as captivating as it is unexpected. As they traverse through their mutual love for art, an unlikely relationship blossoms, binding them in an inseparable bond that transcends their troubled pasts. Their shared world takes a drastic turn when Karl is gravely injured in a car crash, leaving him in dire need of round-the-clock care. Barbora steps up as his unwavering ally, her stolen paintings a mere ghost of her past. As they navigate through this new terrain, the tables take an unforeseen turn, reshaping the contours of their relationship. 'The Painter and the Thief' is a poignant exploration of the power of art and human connection, a narrative that paints a vivid picture of resilience, redemption, and the intricate dynamics of an improbable friendship.

The Painter and the Thief is a documentary movie featuring Barbora Kysilkova and directed by Benjamin Ree.

The Painter and the Thief is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on DIRECTV and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Painter and the Thief on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.