The Divine Order

Nora is a young housewife in a tidy Swiss village, living with her husband and two boys. The neighborhood moves at a comfortable pace, and the broad upheavals of the late 1960s barely touch the valley. Nora is the kind of neighbor everyone relies on, quiet and helpful, trusted by friends and family. Her life, though, begins to tilt when she speaks out in support of women's suffrage, a cause that has not yet landed on the ballot in her part of the country. As the campaign unfolds, her public stance stirs old assumptions, rouses neighbors, and tests the bonds of her marriage and community. This is not a revenge tale but a gentle call to participate.

Directed by Petra Volpe, the film is an original Swiss drama that blends comedy with social history. It premiered in 2017 and showcases a village learning to reckon with women's rights, through intimate, character driven moments.

On the festival circuit the Divine Order drew reviews for its clear storytelling and themes. Critics highlighted how a quiet village can illuminate a national movement showing that everyday life can spark conversations about equality and how democracy works in practice. Its accessible tone invites reflection on history and today.

While it's a period piece, the film resonates today as a reminder that civic participation can begin with one voice. It has become a reference point in discussions about Switzerland's suffrage history, influencing late 2010s debates about gender equality in rural communities. Its message about civic duty lingers.

Critics praised the film for balancing humor with serious ideas. It tackles gender roles, community pressure, and the slow pace of social change without vilifying anyone. The tone remains hopeful, inviting audiences to consider what it means to participate in democracy. Audiences leave with a sense of hope about impact.