Baldur is fourteen years old, his mother is a drug addict, his sister drifts around and the stepfather is in jail. Balli (Áskell Einar Pálmason) is constantly bullied by his classmates as presented in the first part of the film. Leader Konni, aka “the Animal” (Viktor Benóný Benediktsson) and pals Addi (Birgir Dagur Bjarkason gifted with a sensitive perception) and Siggi (Snorri Rafn Frímannsson) are a trio from hell, they have Balli as their victim and there are several sequences that are difficult to watch because of the violence.
The kids are a reflection of Icelandic society and their actions and behavior provide a panoramic sight of the broken families they come from, they are growing up with absent, drunk, or violent fathers and in aggressive contexts.
With offensive dialogues, an oppressive atmosphere, screams, and anger intertwined with beautiful photography, this hypnotic film is nicely shot and has many poetic sequences and compositions as a counterpoint to the terrible drama of a fragmented society and the portrait of maladaptation.
Violence among young people in Iceland is a rising issue, in the movie it escalates to make prime news and a turning point that allows a sense of cohesion and intimacy amid the four protagonists, each one has its own demons.
The movie effectively remarks on issues such as paranormal phenomena, mushroom trips, toxic relationships, rape, and violence against women, in dialogue with profound tenderness, and the indelible bond of friendship.
The film is a hopeful one that deserves to be seen. The original title of this coming-of-age drama is “Berdreymi” which translates into lucid dreaming.
Written and directed by Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson the film premiered at the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival 2022 and was nominated for a Teddy Award
The motion picture is released by Altered Innocence and is available on DVD/Blu Ray or streaming on major platforms such as Apple Tv, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vimeo and Vudu
Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.
