My Uncle Jens
My Uncle Jens
Norwegian teacher Akam lives a comfortable life in Oslo, until his uncle from Iran comes on an unexpected visit. Akam feels obliged to offer accommodation for 2 nights. But the immodest uncle soon makes it clear he has no plans to go home.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 1, 2025
Akam, a young literature teacher living comfortably in Oslo, has his routine upended when his estranged uncle from Iranian Kurdistan shows up unannounced. With limited space in his shared flat, Akam reluctantly invites him to stay—just for a few days. But as those days stretch on and his uncle shows no sign of leaving, tensions rise and suspicions grow.
My Uncle Jens begins as an awkward, deadpan comedy about a freeloading houseguest but subtly transforms into a moving exploration of familial obligation, cultural identity, and buried histories. As Akam digs into who this man really is—and why he’s here—he finds himself reckoning with a past that shaped the very life he’s been trying to live apart from. A thoughtful, quietly powerful film that sneaks up on you. Very pleasantly surprised by this film.