The Love That Remains (MA 15+)

The brilliant – and frequently hilarious – new film from award-winning writer/director Hlynur Pálmason (Godland, A White, White Day) – one of cinema’s most singular contemporary artists – tenderly captures a year in the life of a family of five, as the parents navigate their recent separation.

Though seemingly in the throes of a splitting up, Anna and Magnus still spend time together for the sake of their three children, Ída and twins Þorgils and Grímur (played, remarkably, by the three real-life children of director Pálmason). Magnus works at sea, infrequently returning to land, where he asserts himself as the patriarch with limited efficacy. Anna is an artist whose vast and impressive works fail to receive suitable recognition. In their interactions, whilst there's sufficient indication of why the separation is happening, there's also the familiarity of a long-held love and a glimmer of a chance of reconciliation...

Often taking playful and laugh-out-loud diversions, Pálmason's deeply felt film conveys so much love for its characters and the gorgeous Icelandic environment, delivering a soulful look at the importance of family and shared memories amidst the changing seasons. 

Special mention must also be made of the incredible performance of the director’s sheepdog, Panda, who joined The Artist’s Uggie and Anatomy Of A Fall’s Messi as winner of the prestigious Palme d’Og award at Cannes.

Cast: Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Gudnason, Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir

Director: Hlynur Pálmason

★★★★½ "Majestic. Pálmason’s film holds us ever so tenderly" FILMINK

★★★★½ "Perfectly crafted... For real. Every single shot is brilliant. The score, the lightness of it all, the humour, the honesty, the kids, the dog, everything about it is pure bliss. So uplifting & entertaining. I walked out of this film happier than I did when it started – how did Pálmason do that?" FIRST SHOWING

★★★★★ "An unexpectedly playful and romantic film that leaves your heart full to the brim." FAR OUT

"Exquisitely tender." VARIETY