Rent A White, White Day (2019)

Impressive, original piece portraying the demon that is grief - A White, White Day review by PD

This extraordinary piece, the second offering from Icelandic writer-director Hlynur Palmason, revolves around Ingimundur, a former police chief, who unravels after his wife dies in a strange accident and then comes to suspect that she was having an affair with a younger colleague. At times, ' White, White Day' brings to mind a cinematic version of Edvard Munch’s The Scream - there's an awful lot of barely suppressed angst you just know will explode at some point. But Palmason is in no rush at all (for those wanting 'action' look away now) and pushes his disturbing story in unexpected directions both dramatically and stylistically.

The grimly hypnotic opening at once suggests that Palmason is up to something out of the ordinary as we are advised that, “The dead can still talk to those who are still living on certain days when the white of the sky matches the white on the ground.” Even more arresting is the imaginative way the director then suggests the passage of time by repeatedly flashing a collection of the same landscape compositions in different seasons; with this and some forthright exposition, the film announces its intention to do things a bit differently.

The heart of the film is a stand-out performance from Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson, who is absolutely terrific as Ingimundur, giving, aka Ben Affleck in 'Manchester by the Sea', a thoroughly convincing display of the demon that is grief, whether expressed inwardly by fixing up a house, or outwardly by smashing up a computer after a counsellor has driven him to distraction, whilst his relationship with his 9-year old granddaughter Salka, superbly played by Ida Mekkin Hlinsdotti, steals whole scenes.

There's some awkward moments, particularly towards the rather incongrously melodramatic final section, and the cathartic resolution is all a bit convenient, but it’s generally strong stuff and, especially early on, Palmason engages in storytelling that's worthy of some the great modern directors. Impressive.

Incredible story about revenge and grief - A White, White Day review by AER

Icelandic character piece which is highly atmospheric and bleak, but ends on a note of hope. The film feels like a slowly clenching fist or waiting for a bomb to go off. The lead character of a widowed policeman who discovers that his late wife was having an affair is extremely complex. A taciturn force of nature, it doesn't take long to realise that our protagonist is losing his grip on his sanity and reality. It's a slow burn, but it's ultimately very persuasive, sad, and engrossing. Incredible.

Atmospheric revenge drama - A White, White Day review by TE

The review by PD, below, says it all really.

This would definitely be a 5-star film if it weren't for the ending, which doesn't seem to be in keeping with the depth and breadth of the body of the film.

Iceland has produced a stream of fine movies over the last twenty years, and this is an excellent addition to that canon.