MOVIE REVIEW
When the Light Breaks
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Rúnar Rúnarsson
Writer(s): Rúnar Rúnarsson
Cast: Elín Hall, Katla Njálsdóttir, Mikael Kaaber, Ágúst Örn B. Wigum, Gunnar Hrafn Kristjánsdóttir, Baldur Einarsson
Language: Icelandic and English with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Prepare to be transported to the ethereal landscapes of Iceland with Rúnar Rúnarsson's latest film, WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS. This experience is a visual journey and an emotional odyssey that captures the heart with its narrative that unfolds under the mystical Icelandic daylight that lasts a summer's day.

WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS offers a unique storytelling perspective that beautifully ties one day to the evolving emotional landscapes of those whose story it tells. Within the film's story, we follow Una (Elín Hall), an art student whose reflective nature pulls us deep into this group of friends' interconnected lives and relationships. Rúnarsson uses the natural transitions from dawn to dusk to highlight the emotional and personal growth experienced by the characters.

Hall's portrayal of Una is both subtle and profound. Discovered through an extensive casting process, her performance illustrates Una's internal conflicts and resilience. Hall's background in other roles gave her the experience to offer this portrayal with richness and authenticity, making her a memorable character in contemporary cinema.

From the opening sequences, Rúnarsson mixes personal struggles with broader societal reflections, depicting the characters' triumphs and roadblocks against grief and personal discovery. The intimate interactions within Una's circle are a testament to the film’s focus on deep emotional connections and the complexities of companionship and solitude.

Rúnarsson's meticulous direction is evident in his careful composition of each scene, where the distinctive lighting isn't just a backdrop but a central element of the story. In collaboration with Sophia Olsson, the director of photography, he crafts a visual narrative that captures the eye and deepens the audience's engagement with the unfolding emotional drama. The lighting shifts throughout the film, mirroring the characters' journeys and enhancing the storytelling with its symbolic use.

However, light does more than set the scene; it actively shapes the narrative, with the prolonged sunsets of Icelandic summers being used as symbolism. Rúnarsson explores the grey areas of human experience, adding realism and relatability to the film.

The screenplay invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality through the lens of ordinary and extraordinary events that mark the characters' day. This approach encourages a contemplative viewing experience, pushing the audience to think about the nature of human connections and the complexities of life.

Rúnarsson's reputation as a filmmaker who captures the essence of human emotion and complexity is further solidified with WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS. Known for his powerful storytelling since his debut in Cannes with VOLCANO and continued success with SPARROWS and ECHO, Rúnarsson remains a formidable force in the film industry. His latest work is a testament to his skill in weaving complex emotional narratives into engaging cinematic experiences.

WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS is a profound exploration of human relationships and individual growth, the film's continuous shots and thoughtful manipulation of natural light elevate its visual appeal and reinforce the emotional depth of the story we’re seeing that unfolds in front of us, making it a compelling experience that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of COMPASS FILMS, MP FILM, EAUX VIVES PRODUCTIONS, HALIBUT, JOUR2FÊTE, REVOLVER AMSTERDAM]

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