The Murder of Benjamin (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Murder of Benjamin is a Norwegian drama based on a true story. Set after a racially motivated killing in Holmlia, the film follows Benjamin’s mother as she confronts her son’s killer in court one year later, with a cast led by Elikem Leon Akpan and Laila Goody.

The Murder of Benjamin is a 2026 Norwegian drama centered on the aftermath of a racially motivated killing. Set in Holmlia, the story follows the emotional and legal consequences of Benjamin’s death rather than the event alone.

Directed by Ingvild Søderlind, the film focuses on Benjamin’s mother, Marit, as she comes face to face with her son’s killer in court a year after the murder. It is based on a true story and has a reported runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.

The Murder of Benjamin movie details

Story without spoilers

On a cold night in Holmlia, 15-year-old Benjamin is murdered by 19-year-old Joe Erling Jahr in a racially motivated assault. The story then moves forward one year, when Benjamin’s mother, Marit, must attend court and face the person responsible for her son’s death.

The premise places the courtroom confrontation at the center of the film, examining the personal consequences of the crime through the perspective of a grieving mother. The supplied synopsis does not reveal how the proceedings unfold or how the story concludes.

What to expect

The film is identified as a drama and is based on a true story. Viewers can expect a serious narrative shaped by grief, racial violence and a court case, with the focus on the aftermath of Benjamin’s murder and Marit’s confrontation with the accused killer.

Its Norwegian setting and language place the story within a specific national and cultural context. The premise indicates a sober subject, while the 96-minute runtime suggests a relatively focused presentation. No further claims about its tone, style, pacing or ending can be made from the supplied information.

Cast and creative team

Elikem Leon Akpan plays Benjamin Hermansen, while Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson portrays Joe Erling. Laila Goody plays Benjamin’s mother, Marit. The cast also includes Emily Glaister as Veronica, Rørvik Stig as court officer Haugstad, Afshin Ahmadi as Yonas, Yousef El-Athamna as Mourad and Naya PKouzi as a football fan.

Ingvild Søderlind directs the film. No writer is listed in the supplied credits.

• Elikem Leon Akpan as Benjamin Hermansen
• Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson as Joe Erling
• Laila Goody as Benjamin’s mother
• Emily Glaister as Veronica
• Rørvik Stig as Court officer haugstad
• Afshin Ahmadi as Yonas
• Yousef El-Athamna as Mourad
• Naya PKouzi as Football fan

Release and production context

The Murder of Benjamin is listed as a 2026 release, with a release date of October 2, 2026. It is a Norwegian production from Nordisk Film Norway, spoken in Norwegian, and runs for 1 hour and 36 minutes. The film is classified as a drama and is based on a true story.

Production companies: Nordisk Film Norway

Movies Dock view

With its focus on a real-life-inspired killing and the court encounter that follows, The Murder of Benjamin presents a tightly defined story about the consequences of racial violence. Its central perspective belongs to Benjamin’s mother, giving the film a clear emotional and legal framework without revealing the outcome of the case.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb