Is-slottet
Is-slottet is based pretty closely on the novel of the same name by Tarjei Vesaas. After her mother dies, 11 year-old Unn (Hilde Nyeggen Martinsen) move in with her aunt in a remote part of northern Norway. Being new, she is an outsider, but is soon befriended by Siss, a girl of the same age. The film opens with Siss arriving at her new friend's one evening. The two retreat to Unn's room where they sit and talk. The girls seem rather awkward, almost like they aren't quite sure what to say to each other, yet they want to become friends. For no apparent reason, Unn suggests that they undress. Siss is surprised by the idea at first, but then agrees. The two casually chat as they shed their clothes, but once they are done, the mood changes. The moment is erotically charged. It's pretty obvious that Unn is sexually attracted to Siss, but whether the feeling is mutual or not is unclear. About this time, Unn begins dressing again, making the excuse of it being cold. Siss protests, but to no avail. Unn begins to sob and confesses that she doesn't believe she will go to heaven.
The next day on her way to school, Unn slips and falls into an ice cave, or an ice palace. Rather than looking for a way out, she decides to explore a bit first. Her senses apparently dulled by the cold, she wanders aimlessly through a staggeringly beautiful cavern of ice, slowly freezing to death. The final word from her frozen lips is the name of her friend, Siss.
Meanwhile, the search begins for Unn, and Siss is left with feelings she doesn't quite seem to understand. It's hard to really discern what feelings the young actresses were trying to convey in the bedroom scene, but in their defense, that would be a difficult role to play. The remainder of the film focuses on how Siss deals with her loss, the discovery of Unn in the spring thaw, and the appearance of another new girl with the implication that Siss will take on Unn's role in this new friendship.
Is-slottet is a beautiful spectacle of life and friendship with stunning cinematography and a haunting musical score. The icy backdrop of the sunless Norwegian winter lends a dark, at times eerie impression to an already ethereal film.
Line Storesund and Hilde Nyeggen Martinsen in Is-slottet
