TheLittleSongbird Have a lot of love for foreign language films, of all decades and all genres. That and that it was another film seen as part of my quest to see as many 2018 films as possible were my main reasons in seeing 'Under the Tree' from Icelandic director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson. 'Under the Tree' is a truly fine film and manages to take a relevant subject (feuding neighbours) and explore it in a way that was hilarious, shocking and moving. It won't be one of my favourite films any time soon, but in no way should it be overlooked and should be seen as an example of how to execute a film with a subject like this well. Sadly, 'Under the Tree' has been released here alongside more expensive in budget films that have been quite big box office successes and films that people are more likely to go and see. While having enjoyed many of the films in question (in no way is it intended to be knock), 'Under the Tree' is better than most of them and deserves better.Sure 'Under the Tree' is occasionally a touch overcooked and some may find some of the behaviours extreme. However, Sigurdsson directs with a perfect balance of hilarious mayhem and melancholic pathos. This is also reflected in the thought-provoking script he scripted with Huldar Breidfjord. Many parts are hilarious in a dark way, others genuinely shock and there are emotional parts too, all in a way that is kept plausible throughout. Neighbour feuding sounds insignificant on paper to some, but 'Under the Tree' makes it darkly funny, disturbing and melancholic, a not easy feat but beautifully done here.The storytelling is always compelling, with the tensions having a bleakness and ferocity while still entertaining and emotionally resonating. There is a good deal happening, but not in a way that it feels cluttered with too many characters and subplots, instead there is enough breathing space and depth while having an alertness to the drama. A good cast would be needed to bring all this life. Luckily, 'Under the Tree's' cast is excellent. Particularly note-worthy of a cast where everybody is good and nobody bad is Edda Bjorgvinsdottir on fiercely intense form, her character near-unhinged. It is a very well made film visually, beautifully shot in particular. The music is inspired, appropriate and cleverly used.Overall, great and shouldn't be forgotten. 9/10 Bethany Cox

dloft59 Atli is pushed out of his home by wife Agnes after she discovers him watching a sex tape that features him. He tries desperately to talk to her and get time with their daughter Asa at her kindergarten, but his behavior turns stalker-ish. Atli has crashed at his parents' place: Baldvin and Inga have commenced a fight with their neighbors over a tree in their yard that the neighbors, Konrad and trim young second wife Eybjorg, complain throws too much shade on their deck.All the characters misread situations, let their anger push them to escalate in vengeful responses, and often give one another good advice which nobody follows. It might be misleading to call "Under the Tree" a dark comedy, because although it is often hilarious and even approaches over-the-top farce at times, the plot raises multiple serious issues its fairly believable yet inexorable way, from aging and mental health, to grief and the fatal consequences of failing to speak up when one should.Coolly but beautifully shot, and fiercely acted, especially the unsavory roles portrayed by Steinþórsson as Atli and Björgvinsdóttir as his fierce and cruel mother Inga, this is a startling story that does not take any easy turns.

essopost The story reminds me old Icelandic sagas, the conflict between neighbors and the sad end but i don't find anything depressing in this movie, just shows how fool and stubborn some people are.

lucielescude The movie is really well shot which makes it particularly enjoyable to watch. The characters are interesting and the family drama is really well-built, especially the story around Askurs' brother disappearance, which gets revealed as the movie goes on. The ending is quite heavy but all-together the movie isn't so difficult to watch as it also has some lighter scenes and even some humor. I really enjoyed the whole experience of watching this movie, and it's not everyday you get to watch an Icelandic movie! I would definitely recommend it.