Documentary Explores Family's Journey Through Grief and Transformation

The Arte film 'Wild and Free' captures the Payne family's struggle with loss and adaptation after the death of their mother.

The Payne family, living an off-grid life in rural Norway, faces upheaval after the mother, Maria, succumbs to cancer.
Maria's death forces the family to reconsider their self-sufficient lifestyle as financial pressures mount, including the potential sale of their farm.
The children, previously homeschooled, must adapt to formal schooling, with 10-year-old Freja initially struggling but eventually forming new friendships.
Ronja, Maria's daughter from a previous relationship, decides to move to the city to live with her biological father, creating further changes within the family dynamic.
The father, Nik, contemplates returning to England for familial support but expresses cautious optimism about the future despite ongoing challenges.