Amidst the wave of blockbuster superhero films, there is a hidden gem in the world of independent cinema that has captured my heart during a Focus Features screening of Touch (2024), Iceland’s highest-grossing film of the year.
The film is an adaptation of Icelandic author Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s novel of the same name, which follows the poignant story of Kristofer, a man grappling with early-onset dementia. Amid the pandemic, he embarks on a heartfelt journey to reconnect with his first love, Miko, from whom he was separated over fifty years ago.
Touch (2024) takes audiences on an emotional journey, seamlessly weaving between past and present as we deeply connect with the enduring love story of Kristofer and Miko. Their profound connection resonates throughout the film, allowing us to experience the full spectrum of their shared emotions. The story is a meditation on universal themes of love, loss, fate, family, diverse cultures, and the fleeting nature of time. It powerfully captured the complexities of the human condition and the painful circumstances that allow us to grow into the people we are destined to become.
Kormákur’s Masterful Direction
Kormákur is a remarkable visual storyteller who has mastered the art of adapting intricate literary works on screen. His skill is evident in the film’s box office success and its selection as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category in the upcoming Academy Awards.
He approaches his craft with unwavering dedication and precision, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to bring complex and multidimensional characters to life while staying committed to authentic cinematic storytelling. He has a deep understanding of how to utilize the environment, lighting, and body language to reflect the internal struggles of the characters especially during introspective moments while using contrasting colors to portray their emotional states in the past and present.
What’s truly commendable is the portrayal of the intricacies of being in a multicultural relationship, emphasizing the challenges, compromises, and beauty that come with blending different cultural backgrounds, customs, and upbringing. It seamlessly balances humor, melancholy, and joy, giving us a genuine and relatable look at love, family, and the shared experiences that unite us all despite our differences.
Perfect Adaptation
Touch (2024) serves as a testament to the power of adapting intellectual properties for the screen. Kormákur not only perfectly captured the essence of the novel but enhanced the narrative with his stunning visuals and knack for directing powerful performances, giving it the emotional depth and impact it needed.
During an interview with Variety, he mentioned that his own battle with grief and loss after a difficult divorce inspired his creative process and interest in adapting the book. Furthermore, the project was a true family affair, with Kormákur’s own son, Palmi Kormákur, taking on the role of young Kristofer. This added a personal and intimate touch to the characters and the narrative.
Baltasar Kormákur’s Touch (2024) is a film that will greatly resonate with audiences across generations and cultures. He took us on an immersive and unforgettable journey, allowing us to fully step into the characters’ lives as their story unfolds, ultimately reaching a cathartic conclusion that finally gives us the happily ever after we all deserve.
