Rape Survivor Confronts Alleged Assailant in Chilling Nordic Thriller

The psychological suspense drama "Lex Julia" has unveiled its international cast, led by Swedish actor Christian Hillborg ("The Last Kingdom," "Fleabag," "Young Royals") and Finnish actress Jessica Grabowsky ("Tom of Finland," "Where Once We Walked," "Icebreaker"). Estonian actor Rea Lest, known for "The Manslayer/The Virgin/The Shadow" and Rainer Sarnet's "November," takes on the titular role of Julia.

The film, directed by Finnish filmmaker Laura Hyppönen, sees a perfect island holiday spiraling out of control when Julia, a music producer in her early 30s, travels to her new friend Anna's isolated villa. When Anna introduces her husband JP, Julia instantly recognizes him from her past. The story explores the dilemmas and differing perceptions of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator, also including the view of the third party - the wife of the alleged rapist.

Inspired by Hyppönen's personal experience, the film aims to "dig deep into the subject of acquaintance rape without moralizing or sensationalizing." Partly shot on a remote private island in the Nordic archipelago, the setting adds tension to the slow-burning, character-driven suspense drama.