Iceland’s #1 box office hit and submission to the 2021 Academy Awards International Film category, Agnes Joy is a tale of intergenerational struggle in a picturesque Icelandic setting.
Rannveig (Katla M. Þorgeirsdóttir) is experiencing burnout in all aspects of her mundane suburban life. She is bored, stuck in a job at a struggling company and her marriage is slowly falling apart. On top of that, she’s constantly fighting with her rebellious daughter, Agnes (newcomer Donna Cruz), and can’t face the possibility of Agnes growing up and leaving her behind.
When seductive new neighbour Hreinn (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson), shows up at their doorstep, their world is upended as Rannveig and Agnes face new challenges that are beyond their control. Both mother and daughter are going through similar crises of identity; while Agnes tries to negotiate life as a teenager coming-of-age, her mother must face the reality of being middle-aged.
A compelling story of strong, imperfect women, Agnes Joy is an earnest vision of emotional angst and a wholehearted mother/ daughter relationship.