In the late 19th century Lucas, a Danish missionary brimming with ambition and ideals, sets off on a journey to a remote part of Iceland to help finish the construction of a church and to photograph the local inhabitants. What appears to be a predictable pilgrimage, however, gradually becomes an unexpectedly intense encounter with the landscape and the forces of nature. For many the absolute pinnacle of this year’s festival in Cannes, the stunningly composed drama with its truly enchanting images was created by consummate talent of contemporary film, Hlynur Pálmason (A White, White Day).

Directed by Hlynur Pálmason, Denmark/Islan­d/France/Sweden, 2022
Section: Horizons