Synopsis:
While narrowly escaping a police raid on his home, Oliver (Hansel Eagle) bumps into Loa (Telma Huld Jóhannesdóttir). Recognizing his street name from the club scene of Reykjavik, she says destiny has brought them together. As they desperately seek help from Loa’s colorful acquaintances, the duo become lovers and partners in crime. Running small deals leads to dangerous encounters with an infamous crime syndicate. As Oliver and Loa get sucked deeper into the Icelandic underworld, they dream of escaping to a tropical paradise, but can they pull off just one last heist?
What We Thought:
Overall I liked From Iceland To Eden, but I honestly didn’t understand the point of the babies and the exact ending. Maybe it’s something someone from Iceland would understand, but it didn’t do anything for me. Maybe it was a sign of destiny, but it just seemed unimportant to the story to me.
It’s that story that I liked about the film though. Sure we’ve seen tons and tons of movies about two people getting into the gangster life or starting to deal drugs, but since it takes place in Iceland and I know nothing about their lifestyle I found it fascinating. I’m sure all countries have drugs and people addicted or using them, but I guess I don’t really think about it. Here is a new environment with new people to me getting caught up in the lifestyle.
Ultimately it’s another Bonnie & Clyde type story where these two strangers start dealing drugs to raise money to get away, get in over their heads and have to deal with those above them coming after them. It’s a solid gangster type film with a fast pace, music and style. I’m not familiar with anyone involved but I thought they were all pretty good and I enjoyed the look and direction. That weird baby/fate thing I just didn’t understand but I won’t hold it against the film overall.
If you like gangster/drug films like the Easy Money franchise, you should probably like From Iceland To Eden. I overall recommend it and could see myself watching future movies from the writer/director because of it.
RECOMMENDED!
Written & Directed by: Snævar Sölvason
Producers: Snævar Sölvason, Guðgeir Arngrímsson, Logi Ingimarsson,
Starring: Telma Huld Jóhannesdóttir, Hansel Eagle, Arnar Jónsson,
Tinna Sverrisdóttir, Gunnar Maris og Einar Viðar G. Thoroddsen.
Run Time: 88 minutes
Language: Icelandic w/English Subtitles
Rating: NR (violence, drug use, some sexuality and language)
The Nerds Templar 