Just a sequence of events. Feels juvenile, not in the manner of various penis jokes (which it is), but that’s it’s predominantly structured by what seems to be a “wouldn’t it be cool?” impulse for adding material.

It works as a showcase of craft. But as art to communicate something, I don’t think there’s anything there.

Cultural memory as disputed territory.

A missed opportunity of drawing solidarity between the working class and ghosts with what should’ve been “Just angry”.

The director was great at the Q&A, drew interesting parallels with ghost stories carrying an inherent queerness. Transgression, rather than horror.

Beyond everything else (which I didn’t enjoy), the movie was just pretty ugly. Incredibly sharp details. Garish colors. And weird digital overlays and transitions.

After my time at TIFF, I flew to Iceland, and while driving around the island, stayed in Hofn, Pálmason’s home town. Upon checking in to the hotel, I saw a photo book of his being promoted by the hotel, whose concierge was shocked that I was aware of who he was. When I mentioned his films, the concierge didn’t appear to know anything about them, or even their existence.

Anyway, it was nice seeing the landscape here in person. The story was a lovely time.