The film’s title gives us an idea of how the townspeople feel about long-haired Johan. His relatives also feel the hate as a peculiar penchant for blowing things up runs in the family. Raised as an orphan on a remote island, his support system consists of the wild horse Ella and Solvor, his love interest from youth. Soon, Solvor discovers the charm of Molotov cocktails too. This leads to a disaster after which Johan is banished from the country. But he is ready to return, even though an absurd accident is waiting around the corner.

This is the first time Norwegian director Hallvar Witzø has tried his hand at directing a feature, having previously directed Norwegian TV series and short films that have won both the Student Academy Award and the Short Film Palme D’Or at Cannes. In this comedy, Witzø continues to develop themes of intergenerational relationships and the aging process that are so close to his heart, draping them in Scandinavian diversity with touches of black comedy. The flames from the explosions won’t be enough – you’ll need an extra blanket.