Heaps of Praise for Film Adaptation of ‘Brightly Shining’

The reviews for the film adaptation of Ingvild H. Rishøi’s acclaimed novel Brightly Shining keep pouring in from multiple countries. Here’s a compilation:

“This is a unique film. […] Brightly Shining portrays the courage and strength children can show when life demands more of them than it should. This is why this is not just another sentimental Christmas story, it is rather a film that combines warmth and emotions with an important, current issue. Brightly Shining is captivating through its authenticity, tenderness and extraordinary keen eye for everyday details.”
– Miastodzieci (PL)

“Brightly Shining is a perfect little novel that has now become a perfect little film.”
– Sveriges Radio (SE)

“An important and unique Christmas story. […] The film is painful and touching, but also beautiful, and shows that Christmas time perhaps isn’t equally warm and nice for everyone. It portrays a girl who never stops dreaming about a warm cabin deep in the woods, about a father who is present, about a family that for once can enjoy a ‘normal’, nice Christmas together. It shows friendship, sisters who mean everything to each other, and people who step up when it’s really needed. […] this is a film that I really hope people take the time to see, both for the experience and for the impressions you are left with at the end.”
– Harstad Tidende (NO), 5/6 Stars

“Norwegian Christmas tale about a young girl, reminiscent of The Little Match Girl, is as harsh as it is moving. The film is a mix of harsh social realism and a dreamy Christmas adventure, that few can avoid being touched by.”
– Filmmagasinet Ekko (DK), 4/6 Stars

The film, directed by Ida Sagmo Tvedte, premiered in Norway on October 17th, 2025. Brightly Shining was produced by Motlys.