The Swan (2017)

There is a beast living on the top of a mountain in Iceland. It appears to human beings as a swan. When looking in the eye of a man, the beast will see the person completely through and foretells all about the life of the person. Meeting the swan is an introspective experience, similarly to facing the nature of Iceland, its magnificent mountains, watery grasslands and powerful winds. This is often the reason why so many people wish to travel to Iceland and drive around the country despite harsh weather conditions. It is not a free choice for the nine-year-old Sól since her family has banished her because of one theft to the wild and lonely countryside. Sól has a rich imagination and in the beginning she desperately misses her home. However, she gradually learns to love the strong winds, undulating straws, sodden moss, slightly wild horses and the little calf whose birth and death is witnessed by Sól. The film slows down the audience and offers beautiful views so that the viewers would have enough time for contemplating and looking into themselves in order to grow together with the protagonist. The film is based on the novel of the same name by acknowledged Icelandic writer Guðbergur Bergsson.