Young poet Sigga dreams of honing her craft, and has the wonderful opportunity to study and live in California. However, Sigga comes from a small town in Iceland. Whilst some support her bid to fly the nest, her immediate family and friends are not at all sure, and dog her every step. Then, when she meets ‘Nikki’, life becomes even more complicated.
The producers of a film, often don’t get even a mention, but ICELAND IS BEST, a scenic, romantic drama, is so well led by production and collaboration, that it is the ‘best’ place to start. ICELAND IS BEST’s is Will Randall-Coath’s and Dankuro Asunama’s first feature. Bravely, along with director Max Newsom, they shot on 35mm film, on a super tight budget, and on location in Iceland. Part of a new, small, but highly significant wave of film makers re-embracing all things celluloid, for its high-quality look and feel, they have to a good extent, pulled it off.
It also helps that one of the production duo, Dankuro Asunama is also the Director of Photography. Even at the best of times, film takes more discipline to work with than digital. However, add in a harsh climate, short shooting schedule, and working with a far smaller crew than bigger budget films use when shooting on film, singles out the achievement even more. For ICELAND IS BEST, is a very pretty film, and shows what strong collaboration between Producer, DoP and Director can achieve. The spectacular skyline of Iceland looks wonderful, and Dankuro Asunama has used a natural, almost no-lights style, which film has always lent itself well to.
Low budget film making on film, unlike digital, also means you only have a certain amount of film to get things done. It means working technically and creatively smart with actors and locations, as there are no second chances or endless digital takes to fall back on, if problems arise. Luckily, there’s much here that stands up and is to like for its audience, which will mainly be young adults. For ICELAND IS BEST, is not only a love story, but a ‘coming of age’ tale for ‘Sigga’, played earnestly by lovely Swedish actress Kristen Sophusdóttir.
Do I follow my dreams? Are my dreams real? Am I scared to follow them? Do they need adjustment? And what of love, romance and happiness? All these questions are addressed as we follow the confused Sigga’s journey. It certainly helps that second time writer/director, Max Newsom’s film is also based on a real story, which was an excellent choice, as the truth of the story shines through well. Texan heart throb, Tom Maden who plays ‘Nikki,’ adds a good dose of charisma, and an accomplished performance. Judd Nelson is also good as Mr Sonquist, and adds flair to the film. However, one standout bit of acting comes from Icelandic actress, Alfrun Laufeyjardottir, in the role of ‘Kati’. She has the sort of unselfconscious, stand out talent, that will lead to far bigger things. All in all, ICELAND IS BEST, is a sweet tale, which flows nicely and looks good. Watch on a rainy autumn evening with a few girlfriends, there’s lots to like, and lots that will strike up debate.
ICELAND IS BEST is released in the UK, 6th September 2021.
Review by writer/director Jane A. Foster, who believes in championing all independent voices, and supports creative freedom. janecreates@23-films.com
