Edvard Munch was one of the most important artists in the period between the 19th and 20th centuries. His motif Skrik (The Scream), repeated in several techniques, became part of the 20th-century world subconsciousness – an image of fear and loneliness most people probably know, even if they have no idea who created it.

Pørni is about the dilemmas that you end up in when you, to the best of your abilities, try to do the right thing for your loved ones, and yourself. In that order. Pørni has two daughters with a jerk of an ex who has moved to Copenhagen, who focuses mainly on himself.

During World War II, millions of Jews from all over Europe are deported and killed in German concentration camps. When the German troops invade Norway, the Norwegian Jews feel safe and protected. But anti-Semitism knows no borders and as the war escalates in Europe, the situation changes drastically. Suddenly, their radios are taken away; their passports are stamped with a big J and one day, all the men men over the age of 15 are arrested and taken to prisons camps. Many of the women left behind are too frightened to escape and are desperately waiting for their husbands and sons to come back home. On November 26, 1942, hundreds of Jews are picked up by the police in the middle of the night and are transported to the dock in Oslo. Unknowing and frightened men, women, children, sick and old are forced on board the awaiting German cargo ship "SS DONAU". The ship leaves with 532 Norwegian Jews onboard; 302 men, 188 women and 42 children. The end station is Auschwitz.

After Nader and Janne share a tense moment in a bus doorway, this chance encounter transports them into a shared reality. As one door closes behind them, countless others open. Coincidence (or is it fate?) causes their paths to cross a second time, and they step through yet another doorway, into their future. Together, the couple must fight to face both minor challenges and major surprises.

For more than two years, Nader has been head over heels in love with Janne but unable to let her know — an untenable situation for both his work and creativity. At last, one night at the bar, it appears Nader may be able to finally speak and free himself from the writer's block that has plagued him.