Mudit Gupta
Julian
Overview
A young boy whose grieving family has forgotten about Christmas forms an unexpected, healing bond with a bubbly girl full of holiday spirit.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Ghosts We Carry Home
I’ve always been suspicious of holiday movies that arrive wrapped in tinsel and good cheer, as if grief could be neatly boxed up and stored in the attic until January. The Snow Sister, Cecilie A. Mosli’s 2024 Norwegian fantasy-drama, refuses that easy comfort. It’s a film that understands Christmas isn’t just a season of joy, but a time when absence feels heavier, when the empty chair at the table becomes a presence all its own.
And yet, for all its emotional intelligence, it stumbles in the execution—like a child trying to build a snowman with half-melted snow.
The story follows Julian (Mudit Gupta), a boy whose family is still reeling from the death of his older sister, Juni. Their home is a place of muted colors and muffled voices, where Christmas decorations gather dust and the holiday itself feels like a betrayal. That is, until Julian meets Hedvig (Celina Meyer Hovland), a radiant, enigmatic girl who appears one snowy night, her laughter as bright as the ornaments Julian’s family can no longer bear to hang.
Hedvig is all warmth and mischief, dragging Julian into a world of sledding and gingerbread, but there’s something unsettling about her—something that lingers just beyond the edge of the frame.
Mosli and cinematographer Anna Myking create a striking visual dichotomy between Julian’s world and Hedvig’s. The family home is shot in cold, desaturated tones, the camera lingering on the way Julian’s father (Jan Sælid) moves through the house like a ghost, his grief a physical weight. But Hedvig’s presence brings a sudden, almost surreal vibrancy—snow sparkles like crushed glass, and the air itself seems to hum with possibility.
It’s a contrast that works beautifully in theory, but the film’s pacing struggles to sustain it. The first act drags, as if Mosli is afraid to let the silence speak for itself. (Maybe she should have trusted it more.
Silence, after all, is where grief lives.)
The performances, particularly from the young leads, are where The Snow Sister shines brightest. Gupta’s Julian is a study in quiet devastation—his eyes darting away when his mother (Heidi Goldmann) tries to talk about Juni, his body tense with the effort of holding back tears. But it’s Celina Meyer Hovland’s Hedvig who steals the film.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.5/10
"A visually poetic family drama with emotional depth but struggles to fully engage due to pacing and underdeveloped fantasy elements."
Viewers appreciate the film’s atmospheric winter setting and heartfelt performances, particularly from the younger cast, which lend authenticity to its emotional core. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the slow pacing and uneven integration of fantasy elements leave some feeling disconnected, with the magical realism aspects feeling more like an afterthought than a cohesive part of the story.
What viewers praise
- Strong child performances The young actors, especially Celina Meyer Hovland and Advika Bal, deliver natural and moving performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight.
- Beautiful cinematography The snowy landscapes and visual tone create a dreamy, immersive atmosphere that enhances the story’s mood.
- Heartfelt storytelling The family dynamics and themes of grief and healing resonate with many, offering a touching and sincere narrative.
Common complaints
- Slow pacing The deliberate pace may feel tedious to some, with moments where the story drags without enough momentum.
- Underwhelming fantasy elements The magical realism aspects are visually striking but feel disjointed, lacking the depth needed to fully support the film’s themes.
- Thin character development Some supporting characters, including key figures, lack depth, making it harder to invest in their arcs.
Recommended for
Fans of atmospheric family dramas Lovers of winter-themed films Those who enjoy emotional storytelling Adventure-drama enthusiasts Scandinavian cinema fans
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsThe Snow Sister (2024): A Holiday Drama That Divides Critics
The Snow Sister, the 2024 holiday drama directed by Cecilie A. Mosli, has landed with a quiet thud this season, sparking debate over its emotional weight and originality. The film, a Norwegian-U.S. latestnetflix.com's take is that co-production, follows a family grappling with loss during the winter holidays, but early reactions suggest it’s a polarizing watch—praised for its heart but criticized for playing it safe.
A Heartbreaking Holiday Tale—Or a Missed Opportunity?
The film’s premise, centered on grief and familial bonds, is a familiar one, and critics seem split on whether The Snow Sister brings anything fresh to the table. Rotten Tomatoes’ early consensus calls it "very heartbreaking for the holiday season" but notes it "doesn’t present anything new or interesting" 
. With a 96-minute runtime, the drama leans heavily on its emotional core, though some viewers may find its pacing or narrative choices predictable.
On the French review aggregator SensCritique, the film holds a modest 6.5/10 rating based on 49 votes, with users categorizing it as a "drame" (drama) . The mixed reception suggests The Snow Sister might resonate more with audiences seeking a melancholic holiday story than those looking for innovation.
The Cast: A Mix of Rising and Established Talent
Mosli’s film features a blend of Norwegian and international actors, though details about their roles remain scarce. The cast includes:
- Mudit Gupta (The Crown, The Witcher: Blood Origin)
- Celina Meyer Hovland (Norwegian theater and film actor)
- Jan Sælid (a veteran of Norwegian cinema)
- Sampda Sharma (emerging talent with limited prior credits)
- Supporting players like Gunnar Eiriksson, Advika Bal, and Ole Steinkjer Øyen round out the ensemble.
Given the film’s emotional themes, performances are likely key to its impact, though no standout reviews of individual acting have surfaced yet. The lack of buzz around the cast suggests The Snow Sister may be more of a director’s project than a star-driven vehicle.
Behind the Scenes: A Low-Key Production
Details about the film’s production are thin, but a few key points stand out:
- Director Cecilie A. Mosli is at the helm, though her previous work hasn’t garnered major international attention. This appears to be one of her higher-profile projects to date.
- The film is a Norwegian-U.S. co-production, which may explain its bilingual cast and setting .
- With a runtime of 96 minutes, it’s a concise drama, likely designed for festival circuits or streaming platforms rather than a theatrical blockbuster.
No major controversies, delays, or on-set drama have been reported, suggesting a smooth but unremarkable production process.
**Where Does The Snow Sister Fit in the Holiday Film Landscape?**
Holiday movies often walk a fine line between heartwarming and clichéd, and The Snow Sister seems to be testing that boundary. Its emotional tone aligns with films like The Holiday or Last Christmas, but early feedback indicates it may lack the charm or originality to stand out . Whether it finds an audience likely depends on word-of-mouth—especially among viewers seeking a more somber holiday watch.
For now, the film remains a curiosity: a well-intentioned drama with a talented cast, but one that hasn’t yet sparked the kind of buzz that turns a seasonal release into a sleeper hit.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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