Sebastian Stan is drawing attention with his latest film, "Fjord," a drama inspired by true events that explores themes of cultural conflict, parental discipline, and individual freedom. The movie, which began a limited theatrical release on October 9 and will expand nationwide on October 23, features Stan as Mihai, a strict Romanian father living with his Norwegian wife Lisbet, portrayed by Renate Reinsve. The couple relocates to Lisbet’s hometown, where their conservative family lifestyle clashes with the progressive local community, particularly after teachers discover bruises on the children and allegations of physical discipline lead to child protective services intervening and a lengthy legal battle.

Directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, "Fjord" examines the tensions between tradition and modern societal norms. Stan described the movie as engaging with timely and complex issues surrounding parental rights and cultural integration. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May and is being positioned as an Oscar contender. However, it has also elicited mixed reactions, with some critics and social media commentators arguing the film portrays right-wing ideology by depicting supporters of the family as victims of religious persecution. Stan refuted this characterization, emphasizing the film’s focus on the broader immigrant experience and the challenges faced when different values come into contact.

As a Romanian immigrant himself, Stan sees "Fjord" as a personal project. Born in Romania, he left for Austria at age eight amid the Romanian Revolution and later moved to upstate New York. He found working on the film to be a form of reconnecting with his roots, as it was his first role to include significant dialogue in Romanian. Stan said he bonded closely with the Romanian crew, remarking that he felt like he was “playing catch-up” for many years after leaving the country.

In preparation for the role, Stan engaged in detailed discussions with Mungiu and Reinsve about the characters’ backgrounds and studied real-life cases involving cultural clashes over parenting practices. He noted the film grapples with questions about the value of history and tradition in contemporary society, discussing how his own upbringing involved a reserved and protective environment with strict discipline.

Stan, who welcomed his first child with partner Annabelle Wallis in July, found the film especially resonant now as a new parent. He reflected on the challenges of raising children in the current social climate and acknowledged the difficulty of balancing protection with allowing children to develop their own identities. He described suppression as a "major issue" that can lead to unintended consequences.

Best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan has also taken on a range of independent film roles that showcase his versatility. Mungiu praised Stan’s ability to convey complexity through subtle performances, combining menace and warmth in his portrayal of Mihai.

Stan spoke candidly about his career, acknowledging how his Marvel work opened doors while allowing him to pursue the challenging roles he desires. He expressed a desire to avoid complacency amid the pressures of constant exposure in the entertainment industry, underscoring his commitment to evolving as an actor.