Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Review
If you’ve ever watched any of the Eurovision song contest in your life, you’ll have an idea of what it’s about. Cheesy pop songs, flamboyant outfits and surreal stage shows. Although this may sound like many peoples’ nightmare, it has a huge cult following from not only Europe, but also globally.
Putting all of these elements together for a film, with Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams starring as an unlikely Icelandic entry sounds like it could either be amazing or terrible. You’d be forgiven for assuming the latter is more likely. Thankfully, it leaned much further towards amazing.
When we meet Lars Erickssong (played by Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (played by Rachel McAdams) as adults, they’re a local duo who dream of representing Iceland at the Eurovision. The year we see them audition, though, Katiana Lindsdóttir (played by Demi Lovato) is the front-runner. However, a tragic accident causes her and all other contestants to become unavailable, and therefore Lars and Sigrit’s duo, Fire Saga is gifted the chance to represent Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest — to the dismay of the rest of the country.
Although Lars and Sigrit are arguably equal lead roles in this story, it’s Sigrit that shines through. Her naivety, matched with her kindness, and pure musical talent shines throughout the film. She encapsulates everything this competition is about.
The movie perhaps portrays itself as overdone, obvious, and predictable. But it still manages to offer a twist in the tail. Without giving away spoilers, the character you expect to be, and assume, is the villain, perhaps isn’t the villain at all. Maybe the true villain is right under your nose all along.
Their time competing in the competition — hosted in Edinburgh — proves to be exactly what they expected, and more. From exploring the beauty the city has to offer in the day, to fully embracing and enjoying the nightlife. However, nothing compares to the song-along at a party hosted by Alexander Lemtov (played by Dan Stevens), the Russian competitor. Tons of ex-Eurovision contestants join together to create a Glee-style medley of popular songs. It really is the most memorable and exciting moment of the film.
The cameo’s of popular Eurovision contestants from the past acts as the cherry on top of an already joyful film. Whether you’re a Eurovision fan or not, it’s feel-good, it’s cheesy, and ultimately it’s a fun and happy ride — something we all need right now.
Hannah Parker
