Hjartasteinn (Icelandic) [Heartstone]

This film is a story of teenage sexuality and teen angst in an idyllic Icelandic village. Agreed the film was stretched too much, for something that could have been shown in much less time but that doesn't take away the fact that it is an authentic and emotional look at growing up and becoming aware of your feelings, surroundings and sexuality.

Thor and Christian are two pre-teen best buddies in an Icelandic fishing village where apparently everyone knows everyone's business. Its an idle summer and the two friends spend time playing, walking around, enjoying nature. Thor has a restless single mother and two intrusive older sisters, while Christian's volatile, homophobic father and mother are on the verge of a split. In between all this, they also try to flirt with 2 sisters but clearly Christian has very strong feelings for Thor, which he fails to see. Completely dejected by his surroundings, Christian decides to take his life. This is when Thor realizes about Christian's feelings for him but its too late since he is now going to move to the city. But Thor manages to plan one final kiss to Christian as good luck and good bye and thank you gesture that cements their friendship forever.

The surroundings of the beautiful Icelandic village is just breathtaking. I so feel like wanting to go to that location and spending a few nights in those gorgeous settings. As mentioned before, The film take a long time testing viewer's patience to go about showing what they exactly wanna say. It needs a much tighter editing, to make it an interesting watch. Coming to performances, the two boys strongly and firmly hold the film together. They are both absolutely brilliant actors and have a very strong screen presence. The brashness of Thor concealing his insecurities is all too familiar, as is the great conflict running beneath the surface of shy Christian.

This film reminds us that it's tough to grow up gay anywhere. Friendship keeps you strong, even though the confusion about sexuality leaves you frustrated sometimes leading to extreme steps. The harshness of the wilderness with the first feeling of the youth coming of age would have been a lot more enjoyable and relatable had there been some serious editing. (6/10)