Cannes 2024 (Un Certain Regard Opening Film): When the Light Breaks (by Rúnar Rúnarsson) | Review
Icelandic auteur Rúnar Rúnarsson opened the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival with When the Light Breaks, a stunningly crafted, beautiful exploration of grief and acceptance amidst a national tragedy.
Announced as a late addition to the Official Selection of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, alongside filmmakers such as Mohammad Rasoulof and Michel Hazanavicius, Rúnar Rúnarsson’s film When the Light Breaks (or Ljósbrot) created an instant buzz. We had the pleasure of meeting Rúnarsson at the 2024 Visegrad Film Forum where he gave an insightful masterclass. His fourth feature was selected as the opening film of the Un Certain Regard competition—similar to the recognition Sergei Loznitsa received in 2018 when his film Donbass opened the section.
Rúnarsson’s career has garnered wide acclaim, notably starting with his short film The Last Farm, which earned an Oscar nomination in 2016. In 2011, his debut feature Volcano premiered at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and won 17 international awards at various festivals. His second feature, Sparrows (2015), premiered at TIFF and won the Golden Shell for Best Film at San Sebastian. Both Volcano and Sparrows were submitted to represent Iceland in the Oscars’ Best Foreign Language Film category. His third film, Echo (2019), competed in Locarno’s main international competition, winning the Youth Jury Award. For his latest film, he reunites with his frequent collaborator Sophia Olsson to create a tragic yet beautiful story set between two sunsets on the Icelandic coast.
Elín Hall stars as Una, a young art student involved in an affair with her bandmate Diddi (Baldur Einarsson). She urges him to break up with his long-distance girlfriend Klara (Katla Njálsdóttir) so they can openly enjoy their relationship. The next day, Diddi drives to the Westfjords, but a major explosion occurs in the tunnel, plunging the country into collective grief. When Diddi’s roommate Gunni (Mikael Kaaber) delivers the news to Una, she remains steadfast and optimistic, believing Diddi is safe. However, when the truth is revealed, Una can no longer hold back her tears. Along with their friends Siggi (Gunnar Hrafn Kristjánsson) and Bassi (Ágúst Wigum), and Klara, who has come to the city, this group of friends privately mourns Diddi’s memory. Una, as his secret lover, struggles with her unacknowledged grief among her friends.
With an 80-minute runtime, Rúnarsson’s screenplay is no more than remarkably articulate. Spanning a single, dreadful day, Rúnarsson wanted viewers to feel the intensity of this challenging day in Una’s life. The film is a tightly woven, emotionally impactful coming-of-age story, primarily focusing on Una’s face. Elín Hall flawlessly embodies the character, sweeping you deeply beneath a tide of emotions. Credit is due to Hair & Makeup Designer Evalotte Oosterop, who enhances the visual storytelling, revealing the courage corralling Una’s escalating fury.
The cinematography is the other artistic aspect that boasts Rúnarsson’s craft, thanks to Sophia Olsso, known for her work on The Crown, who captivates without resorting to clichés, with striking light, especially between the two sunsets in the opening and final frames. This beautifully captured tale of young people navigating loss, grief, and acceptance will linger in your mind for days. The film’s minimalistic and spare narrative, combined with its profound melancholy, creates a quietly intense experience.
The use of somber music by the late, esteemed Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sicario, Arrival) adds a unique dimension, enhancing the film’s exploration of a cruel kind of grief—where one can’t openly mourn too much for fear of revealing too much. Despite this somber backdrop, there is a surprising gentleness and a playful touch intertwined with the poetic nature of Rúnarsson’s work.
When the Light Breaks is essential viewing for its powerful visual storytelling that allows the audience to understand every facet of the main character. As we support Una’s quest for recognition despite her actions, we are also moved by Klara’s uninterrupted grief and her supportive role as a friend. This film is a superior, deeply moving, and astonishing piece that positions Rúnarsson as one of the best Icelandic filmmakers today.
The film is produced by Rúnar Rúnarsson for Halibut and Heather Millard for Compass Films, in co-production with Revolver Amsterdam (Netherlands), MP Films Production (Croatia), and France’s Eaux Vives Productions and Jour2Fête, with The Party Film Sales handling the film’s international sales. The latter co-producer will distribute the film in France.
Our reporters are on the ground in Cannes, France, to bring you exclusive content from the 77th Cannes Film Festival—explore our coverage here.
