Matinee

Genre: Drama, International

Accessibility: Subtitles

Film Year: 2022

Locations: Denmark, Iceland, France, Sweden

Film Length: 143 min.

Languages: Danish, Icelandic

Subtitles: Yes.

Director: Hlynur Pálmason

Featuring: Elliott Crosset Hove, Ingvar Sigurðsson, Vic Carmen Sonne

San Sebastian Film Festival Winner, Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Jury Award

Upon arrival to the Danish colony of Iceland in the late 19th century, Lucas, a young priest, attempts to build a parish and integrate into the isolated community. Prior to his departure, his bishop warns him to heed the local guides, encouraging Lucas to remain adaptable to the circumstances Icelanders face. Not adhering to this warning, Lucas arrives riddled with pride, inexperience, and ignorance, making it clear how unprepared he is for this assignment. When he meets the head guide Ragnar, a rugged older man of the land, these flaws are even more apparent, and a hostile relationship develops. Director Hlynur Pálmason’s inquisitive narrative explores the roles of religion and colonialism in Iceland’s history while examining the power of humanity and nature to divide us as well as to tie us together.

“An outstanding drama. Magnificently shot. A story of natural wonder, elemental beauty and human folly” – LA Times, Justin Chang