Autumn Lights (2016)

Autumn Lights: Directed by Angad Aulakh. With Guy Kent, Marta Gastini, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson, Thora Bjorg Helga. An American photographer adrift in a remote Icelandic community becomes entangled in the lives of a mysterious European couple.

“As a first review and as a fan of small, foreign films, I happened to stumble upon this title when it was being advertised as playing in Los Angeles u0026amp; New York. But to my surprise, the title was available on VOD and after watching the intriguing trailer, I gave it a whirl with my husband. I was very moved by this movie. It was unexpected. And I unexpectedly am now writing a review.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTo start, the craftsmanship is superb. The music, the cinematography, the strong performances and the direction were not formulaic and expected. Itu0026#39;s a film of bold choices and it felt very original. I applaud the director and writer of the film Angad Aulakh for creating something so different… Massive superhero fatigue in this household.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNow the story… itu0026#39;s a small story. Itu0026#39;s conversation-driven. Itu0026#39;s not about A to B to C, itu0026#39;s about learning who these intricate characters are and itu0026#39;s a dance between them and how their interactions with one another reward (or the opposite) their lives. My husband and I were engrossed by the heart and soul of these characters. They were wise, astute, interesting people who carry immense pain with them. This is not some hot-button, socially-relevant film but why does every film need to be that nowadays? It was lovely to watch a movie about characters who feel very real and lived in and didnu0026#39;t have to be politically or socially charged.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNow Iceland, if youu0026#39;ve ever been like I have, youu0026#39;ll know the spectacular beauty. The cinematography just enhances it. But I love that itu0026#39;s not a travelogue film that uses Iceland as a tourist film would. Itu0026#39;s just a setting. And itu0026#39;s cold and barren and is an interesting location to set these characters in.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMs. Gastini, who was beautiful in Borgia, is splendid as Marie. Sheu0026#39;s complex and highly-watchable. I was very moved by her characteru0026#39;s storyline and emotional dilemmas, as she delves in with the filmu0026#39;s David, played by the handsome young actor Guy Kent. He, too, is beautiful and touching in the role. Thereu0026#39;s subtly to his emotions, his melancholy, his lust, and he feels like a real man from a different generation. As they say in the film, u0026quot;thereu0026#39;s more to him than he lets on, and I find that attractive.u0026quot; Well, so do I. The character of David is interesting and unexpected and was filled by an actor who I enjoyed watching and entering into this world with.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMy husband and I discussed the film at length afterward. If you like films that provoke conversation, make you look at your own life and your choices, and inspires you by the artistry, this is a film for you. Itu0026#39;s a wonderful movie. I highly, highly recommend this title.”