You can actually count on one hand the number of LGBT movies that have been made in Iceland over the years, and this promising debut from newcomer Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson is a very welcome addition to the group.
Set in a remote and somewhat barren part of the country with some very dramatic vistas, it’s the tale of two teenage boys who are just discovering their sexuality over one long summer. Thor (Baldur Einarsson) who barely looks older that 12, and his best friend Christian (Blær Hinriksson) are inseparable best friends who while away their days together somewhat aimlessly with the few detractions their bleak rural town offers them. When they are not fishing, or beating up discarded car wrecks, or kicking around a football, they are pursuing their latest pastime i.e. chasing girls. Well, two girls in particular, Hanna (Katla Njálsdóttir) who has taken a shine to Thor and her best friend Beta (Diljá Valsdóttir) who wants to get Christian interested in her.
The boys are really at a loss on how to behave around the girls mainly because of their own home environments. Thor lives with his two older sisters who never ease up ragging on him, or on their divorced mother who has now decided to re-enter the dating scene herself. Christian doesn’t fare much better as his father has a fierce short-fused temper that has turned him into the town’s bully, who is just as tough on his own family if they do not completely tow his line.
At the same time that Thor is realizing that he really likes Hanna, so too does Christian awaken to the fact that he has similar feelings for Thor. When they horse around together Christian is always tempted to try and take it further, but is always worried that he will be rejected by his best friend if he discovered the true nature of his feelings. In this close knit community where homophobia is rife, Christian knows the full consequences of what will occur if anyone discovers the truth, a fear that turns into reality when the inevitable does happen.
Guðmundsson’s simplistic tale succinctly captures the confusion of these post-pubescent kids who are barely teenagers who, through the lack of any real role models, are struggling to deal with their sexual awakening. It was always going to be tougher for Christian because his homosexuality automatically makes him an unwelcome outsider that this small community couldn’t wait to discriminate against.
The very young cast, most of whom have never acted before, gave convincing and authentic performances to their roles as these youngster facing such limited choices. In fact the movie’s own real fault was that at 129 minutes, it was at least 40 minutes too long. A short run-time would have given this movie a much more powerful impact to what is actually a delightful well-meaning and intriguing wee drama.
