Youssef, a battle-worn veteran, is haunted by the aftermath of combat, wrestling with mental health challenges and strained family ties. Sent to a veteran rehabilitation retreat on the remote island of Strynø, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, connecting with fellow veterans and committing to therapy. Despite making progress, Youssef realises that repairing his fractured family bonds may be impossible. With his hope shattered the only thing left is the military brotherhood. But is he ready to completely let go of his son?

HERCULES FALLING is Christian Bonke’s feature debut. He has co-written the script with Marianne Lentz (The Great Silence, 2023). The film deals with the rough and important subject matter of war veterans and mental trauma with highly acclaimed actor, Dar Salim in the lead among a cast of real war veterans. Dar Salim’s work in Scandinavia includes ”Borgen” (2010 -), ”A War” (2015) award winning Darkland 1 and 2 and the lead as Kommisar in several episodes  of the German series ”Tatort” (2023). In 2023, he featured in the Berlinale selected series, ”Agent” and most recently, he starred in Gustav Möller’s Berlinale Competition film ”Sons” (2024). His English speaking roles include Ridley Scott’s “Exodus” (2014), season one of “Game of Thrones” (2011) and “The Covenant” (2023) among others. He recently finished working on the first season of Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen” (2024), where he stars alongside Theo James and Giancarlo Esposito.