Pyromaniac (film)

Pyromaniac is a 2016 Norwegian psychological thriller film directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg. It is based on the novel Before I Burn by Gaute Heivoll.

The film centers on Dag, a young man who works as a volunteer firefighter and lives with his parents in a small town. Unbeknownst to his parents and the community, Dag is secretly an arsonist. The story explores the psychological motivations behind his pyromania and the escalating tension as the fires he sets become more dangerous and destructive.

The film delves into themes of family secrets, guilt, the nature of evil, and the destructive power of hidden desires. It also examines the impact of such actions on a tight-knit community. The film features performances by Trond Espen Seim as the father, Liv Bernhoft Osa as the mother, and Agnes Kittelsen.

Pyromaniac was selected as the Norwegian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. The film received generally positive reviews for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and exploration of complex themes. However, some critics found the pacing slow and the character development lacking.