Silje Evensmo Jacobsen’s A New Kind of Wilderness is one of the “littlest” documentaries I’ve ever seen.

It’s a film without a clear hook. Any enticing description would be misleading.

At the same time, it’s a reminder that you don’t need sensationalism to deliver something that’s honest and emotionally resonant. I spent 40 minutes watching A New Kind of Wilderness and wondering what the documentary was supposed to be, and the last 44 minutes being simply and persuasively moved by this story of a family facing tragedy and trying to hang together while seeking a new normal.

Maria and Nik chose a very unusual life for themselves and their four children — Ronja, from her previous relationship, Freja, Falk and Ulv. They live sustainably on a small farm in rural Norway. They’re a long way from civilization, the kids are entirely home-schooled — speaking both Norwegian and...