Breaking the Waves is a 1996 film directed by Lars von Trier and is set in the early 1970s in a small, conservative Scottish town. Bess McNeill (Emily Watson) is a shy and naïve young woman, who falls in love with Jan (Stellan Skarsgård), an outsider who works on an oil rig.
When Jan is injured on the rig, he is unable to engage in sexual activity with Bess, which deeply affects her. Bess's strict Calvinist upbringing causes her to believe that sex outside of marriage is a sin, but after hearing that Jan wants her to have sex with other men and tell him about it, she reluctantly agrees.
Bess begins a series of sexual encounters with various men in the community, and her husband becomes increasingly obsessed with her stories, seeing them as proof of her devotion to him. As Bess continues to seek approval from Jan, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations, ultimately leading to tragedy.
Breaking the Waves is a deeply emotional and at times difficult film to watch, but it explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and love. Emily Watson's powerful performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film is known for its use of handheld cameras, long takes, and naturalistic dialogue, creating a sense of raw intimacy and authenticity.