Prepare to be moved! Janus Films has announced the release date for Iceland's Oscar entry, The Love That Remains, set for January 30, 2026. This family drama, directed by Hlynur Pálmason, promises a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
The film's trailer offers a glimpse into a year in the life of a family navigating separation. Expect a blend of heartwarming and poignant moments, capturing the bittersweet essence of fading love and cherished memories amidst the changing seasons.
You might be wondering, how does this film fit into Pálmason's body of work? His previous films, such as Winter Brothers (2017), A White, White Day (2019), and the Denmark-set Godland (2022), which premiered at Cannes and was shortlisted for the 2023 Oscars, have a different feel. But here's where it gets controversial...
Pálmason himself insists there's a clear connection. He explains, “I don’t like to have too many preconceived intentions because I want my films to be honest, spontaneous, and as close as possible to the actual human experience. The topics are always broad and numerous.”
He continues, “This film is about nature, about what we build, re-build or destroy, about what unites and divides us, miscommunication and conflicting feelings. But it is above all about family, that is the core of the film and its beating heart – which is a natural extension of my previous films, both short and long.”
The film made its world premiere in the non-competitive Cannes Premiere section in May, with its canine star, a sheepdog named Panda, taking home the Palm Dog award. In August, it was chosen as Iceland’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The Love That Remains is brought to life by producers Anton Máni Svansson of Iceland’s Still Vivid and Katrin Pors of Denmark’s Snowglobe.
The cast includes Saga Garðarsdóttir (Woman at War), Sverrir Gudnason (Borg vs. McEnroe), Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir (Godland), Þorgils Hlynsson (Nest), and Grímur Hlynsson (Nest).
What do you think? Does the director's perspective resonate with you? Are you excited to see this film? Share your thoughts in the comments!
