The King's Choice

On 9 April 1940, German troops surge into Oslo and thrust a nation into uncertainty. The King's Choice follows King Haakon VII, his wife Crown Princess Märtha, their son Olav, and a circle of advisers as they confront a moment that will decide Norway's fate. With the capital under occupation and the throne pulled between allegiance to the government and a demand for submission, the king weighs options that could signal defiance or compromise. The film traces the tension inside the palace, the pressure exerted by Berlin, and the choices made by diplomats and military advisers who try to protect a government in exile while preserving the country's dignity. It is a human portrait of leadership under crisis during pivotal days.

Directed by Erik Poppe, The King's Choice recreates a tense moment in Norwegian history. It presents the royal family's escape and the crisis that followed during Nazi invasion of 1940, grounded in record. The film's restrained pace anchors a crossroads.

The film earned about 9.1 million worldwide against a 7.5 million budget, signaling a modest but solid performance for a Norwegian wartime drama and a message that domestic audiences supported a stark retelling of a defining moment in history today.

Critics have highlighted its restrained, character driven approach to crisis, focusing on duty, sovereignty, and the human cost of decision making. The film wrestles with loyalty to crown and country, the price of resistance, and the complex hope tethered to exile and homeland. It invites reflection and insight for viewers.

The King's Choice has become a touchstone for Norwegian wartime memory, showing how a monarch and a small circle steered resolve under occupation. Its careful production and performances help keep this chapter of history in public discourse and classroom discussions, inviting reflection beyond screen and contributing to national memory.