Norwegian Horror Film “The Virtuous” Receives $700K in Funding

A Dark Awakening on the Horizon: Mer Film’s “Den Dydige” Secures Funding

Norwegian production company Mer Film is moving forward with “Den Dydige” (The Virtuous), a latest horror film from director Ina Lerner Grevstad, after receiving 7.1 million NOK (approximately $660,000 USD as of March 26, 2026) in production funding from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI). The project, described as a period horror set against the backdrop of the Black Death in Norway, marks Grevstad’s feature film debut and signals a continued investment in genre filmmaking within the Norwegian film industry.

The funding announcement, reported by Bergensavisen, is a significant milestone for Grevstad, who has been developing the project since early 2023. “It’s fantastic that what we’ve been working on for so many years now has production support,” Grevstad told the publication. The film’s script is penned by Emil Wahl, with Maria Ekerhovd, Teodor Sven Bø, and Øyvind Lierhagen Eriksen producing for Mer Film.

Weaving History and Horror

“Den Dydige” centers on a young woman accused of bringing the Black Death to a large farm, forcing her and her mother to flee into the wilderness. The narrative promises to delve into themes of sexuality, generational trauma, and the societal anxieties of the 14th century. Grevstad’s inspiration stemmed from a conversation about horror films and a fascination with the historical context of the Black Death and the prevailing attitudes towards sin and sexuality during that era. She described the project as a horror film that “handles sexuality and generational trauma.”

Mer Film has been actively building a portfolio of horror projects, positioning “Den Dydige” as a successor to earlier successes like “Den stygge stesøsteren” (The Ugly Stepsister) and “De uskyldige” (The Innocents). This strategic focus on the genre reflects a growing demand for Norwegian-produced horror, particularly among younger audiences. The NFI’s support for the film through its Neo debutant scheme underscores this trend.

Ina Lerner Grevstad: From Television to Terror

While “Den Dydige” represents Grevstad’s first foray into feature film directing, she brings a wealth of experience in television and film production. She is perhaps best known for directing two seasons of the popular Norwegian children’s series Barnesykehuset (The Children’s Hospital) on NRK. Her background also includes work as a screenwriter and series creator, and she garnered international recognition for her award-winning short film, “Ungene” (2020). This diverse skillset positions her as a rising talent within the Norwegian film landscape.

A Growing Appetite for Norwegian Genre Film

The NFI’s decision to award significant funding to “Den Dydige” reflects a broader industry trend. Kjersti Mo, director of the NFI, emphasized the importance of supporting Norwegian genre films, stating in a press release that they are “in demand, especially among young audiences.” This investment aims to broaden the cinematic offerings available in Norwegian cinemas and attract a wider demographic. The project received an initial 500,000 NOK in development funding through the NFI’s Neo scheme, and an additional 250,000 NOK from the Vestnorsk Filmsenter, demonstrating a collaborative effort to nurture emerging talent and innovative projects.

Production Timeline and Anticipated Release

Principal photography for “Den Dydige” is slated to begin next year, with filming locations currently undisclosed but confirmed to be somewhere on the Norwegian west coast. The film’s total budget is estimated at 24 million NOK. A premiere date is currently set for 2028, giving the production team ample time for post-production and festival submissions. The NFI’s film consultant, Nina M. Barbosa Blad, praised the script as “incredibly strong and engaging,” highlighting its “relevant and interesting” themes and its potential to appeal to a younger generation of filmgoers. She specifically noted the film’s combination of historical drama and strong horror elements as a key strength.

Grevstad hopes the film will resonate with both horror enthusiasts and a broader audience, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Norwegian genre cinema. The project’s blend of historical setting, psychological horror, and thematic depth positions it as a potentially significant contribution to the landscape of contemporary horror filmmaking.