The Last Paradise on Earth

In a competition of biblical anecdotes, the sheep would be a tough contender, but the fish definitely holds its own. Thus, it is fitting that the fate of an earthly paradise be determined by fish – or more specifically the lack of them. Unfortunately, in this story, there is no Jesus to feed everyone with just two.

In lieu of the J-man, Faroese director Sakaris Stórá introduces us to Kári, and his rebellious sister, Silja. Kári spends his days shoving cod into a filleting machine, and his nights staring into the fjord or playing TV bingo. The rising temperature of the sea is chasing the fish away, and the factory is on the brink of closure. Kári’s peers are abandoning the dying village in the hopes of finding at least some kind of future. Among them is Kári’s hopeful sweetheart Elin.

When every rational argument is against staying, it is easier to stay silent than try to reason in favour of it. And the film features plenty of silence, and even more meaningful glancing. The melancholy squeezing of growing pains is eased at fitting intervals by a glimpse of the surrounding august views or briefly intertwined fingers. But instead of the vulgar gawking of a travel brochure, the milieu is shown peeking quietly through a window, or as a backdrop for some big thoughts.

Minna Saarinen (translated by Adrian Murtomäki)