Icelandic filmmaker Rúnar Rúnarsson’s When the Light Breaks is a poignant meditation on grief, love and the quiet devastation of loss. Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s ethereal landscapes, the film follows Una (Elín Hall), a young art student grappling with the sudden death of her lover, Diddi (Baldur Einarsson). What unfolds is a deeply introspective journey through mourning, memory, and the unspoken connections between those left behind.

The Trailer

Our Review

Visually, this film is stunning. Cinematographer Sophia Olsson masterfully uses Iceland’s natural beauty to enhance the film’s emotional depth. The opening sequence, where Una and Diddi watch the sunset together, is bathed in golden hues, symbolising warmth and underlining the fleeting nature of their happiness. As the film progresses, the lighting shifts, shadows grow longer, and the colour palette becomes colder, mirroring Una’s descent into grief.

Olsson’s use of long takes and lingering shots allows the audience to sit with Una’s emotions, making her pain feel palpable. The film’s framing is deliberate, often isolating Una within vast landscapes or empty rooms, emphasising her loneliness. There’s an emotional sequence within the prominent Reykjavík landmark, Hallgrímskirkja, which really centres the piece. But the cinematography is not just a visual treat for those dreaming of visiting the Icelandic capital – it’s an integral part of the storytelling, reinforcing the film’s themes through its imagery.

And thematically, this is an exploration of grief in its rawest form. For this reason, it can be a challenging watch. Rúnarsson captures the suffocating immediacy of loss, portraying Una’s emotional turmoil with a quiet intensity. The narrative also delves into the complexities of secrecy, as Una and Diddi’s relationship was kept hidden from their friendship group, adding layers of unresolved tension to her mourning. The film subtly examines how grief binds people together, as Una and Diddi’s long-distance girlfriend, Klara (Katla Njálsdóttir), find themselves navigating their shared sorrow entirely devoid of any dramatic confrontations.

Elín Hall delivers a captivating performance as Una. The camera often lingers over her tear-filled eyes, noting the clenching of her jaw as she strains to compose herself. Her portrayal of grief is nuanced and deeply affecting – she doesn’t rely on dramatic outbursts but instead conveys her pain through subtle expressions and body language. Her interactions with Klara are particularly compelling, as both characters navigate their shared loss with quiet restraint.

Katla Njálsdóttir’s performance as Klara adds another layer of emotional complexity to the film. Rather than portraying her as a rival, the film presents her as another victim of loss, creating a delicate dynamic between her and Una. Mikael Kaaber and Baldur Einarsson also deliver strong supporting performances, adding depth to the film’s exploration of friendship and mourning.

The film’s score is minimalistic yet profoundly effective. Rather than relying on a sweeping orchestral soundtrack, When the Light Breaks uses ambient sounds and subtle musical cues to heighten its emotional impact. The absence of music in key moments allows silence to speak volumes, making Una’s grief feel even more suffocating. When music does appear, it is delicate and melancholic, reminiscent of a choral piece during a religious service. The balance between sound and silence is one of the film’s strongest elements, making the audience feel the weight of each moment.

When the Light Breaks is a beautifully crafted film that captures the overwhelming realities of grief with quiet precision. Rúnarsson’s direction, combined with Olsson’s cinematography and Hall’s powerful performance, creates an emotionally resonant experience that lingers long after the credits roll. While its slow pacing and minimalistic approach may not appeal to all viewers, those willing to immerse themselves in its delicate storytelling will find a deeply moving exploration of loss and healing.

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Want to learn more about the creative minds behind When the Light Breaks? Alex spoke with director Rúnar Rúnarsson and lead actress Elín Hall about crafting the film’s emotional core, the power of silence, and portraying grief with honesty.

👉 Read the full interview here

When The Light Breaks is in UK cinemas from the 23rd May

Written by: Mary Munoz, Content Creator at Nordic Watchlist