Title: Under the Tree
Year: 2017
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Rating: 6.7
Cast: Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, Edda Björgvinsdóttir, Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Þorsteinn Bachmann, Selma Björnsdóttir
Description: A simmering pot of societal anxieties, bubbling over with darkly comedic absurdity, that's Benedikt Erlingsson's 'Under the Tree'. This Icelandic dramedy isn't a gentle stroll through picturesque landscapes; it's a bracing confrontation with the pettiness and unexpected savagery hidden beneath the veneer of civilized life. The film masterfully uses the seemingly trivial – a misplaced tree branch – as a catalyst for escalating conflicts, exposing the raw nerves of a community fractured by ego and entitlement. Erlingsson's direction is both precise and wildly imaginative, weaving together moments of slapstick humor with surprisingly poignant reflections on human nature. The performances are uniformly excellent, capturing the characters' complexities with a delicate balance of empathy and biting satire. 'Under the Tree' is not just a film; it's a darkly funny, unsettlingly relevant commentary on the corrosive effects of neighborly disputes and the fragility of social harmony, leaving a lingering, thought-provoking aftertaste long after the credits roll. A must-see for fans of offbeat humor and insightful social commentary.