Review | Silence of the Fish

In this year's edition of the SHIFT Film Festival, the Youth Jury got the opportunity to receive a free-of-charge coaching by the film critic Bjorn Gabriels who taught the basics of film analysis and how to write a good film review. Based on the deliberations of the SHIFT Professionals Jury the festival's main award, the award for the Best Film, went to Hilke Rönnfeldt's Silence of the Fish. Now, Nino Valcq, member of the festival's Youth Jury, reviews the film.

A story about isolation and family told in an honest and raw way. The story follows Saga and her mother Hildur. Both work at a trout farm in Iceland and slowly, their relationship as a mother and daughter starts to fall apart. While some filmmakers need two hours to tell a story like this, director Hilke Rönnfeldt only needs 19 minutes. And she doesn't waste any of those minutes.

Every shot in the film feels like there is weight and meaning behind it. From the beautiful first image of Saga standing at a cliff to the mother crying at the fish tank. Through the great visual storytelling, these moments give you an insight of who these truly characters are.

The script also deserves mention. No word feels forced or unnatural. They are conversations that real people would have. And the real aspect is something that deserves praise. It all feels real. From the handheld cinematography to the acting.

The actors Helena Heðinsdóttir and Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir are great in their respective roles. The way they portray Saga and Hildur feels natural. Nothing feels over the top in their performances, everything is understated.

Silence of the Fish is a film that deserves your attention. From the cinematography that captures the untamed landscape of Iceland to its acting that gives these characters a lot of dimension. It will grab you and won't let you go. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits rolled.

(c) All visual material is used with the filmmaker's permission.