Watch ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ for its heart
The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest live music event, which celebrates a wide range of cultures, nationalities, and languages. Time and again, it has achieved its goal of connecting to audiences and evoking emotions through music. Contestants usually perform kitschy, attention-grabbing earworms. And of course, there are props and memorable costumes aplenty. For the first time in the history of the contest, it was canceled in March this year. So David Dobkin’s film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020), about an Icelandic pop duo, arrived at the right time.
Being a new Eurovision fan, I was introduced to the contest by group Daði & Gagnamagnið’s funky track ‘Think About Things,’ Iceland’s official entry this year. That is part of why I was all the more intrigued by the film, which did not let me down. Though it is not without cringe-worthy moments, it is a witty film with a lot of heart, and that is why I recommend it.
The film follows Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Rachel McAdams), two friends from Húsavík, a picturesque small town in Iceland. Lars has dreamed of winning Eurovision since he was a child and saw ABBA’s winning performance of ‘Waterloo.’ Sigrit has been by Lars’ side since that same night when he started teaching her to speak by singing. Together, they are the eccentric Fire Saga, mainly performing at their town pub, yet aspiring to make it to Eurovision.
To qualify, they have to work through their nerves and gain the approval of the Icelandic selection committee. But before that, they must deal with the disapproval of their parents. In Lars’ case, it is his gruff widowed father (Pierce Brosnan) who constantly rebukes him for his lack of achievements. For Sigrit, it is her mother, Helka (Elin Petersdottir), who believes that Sigrit’s potential lies way beyond Lars and Fire Saga. Despite being met with disbelief from the townsfolk, the duo finds itself representing Iceland at Eurovision after a bizarre unfolding of events.
Audiences love stories about characters who make the most of tough situations and overcome the odds stacked against them. I have been primed to root for the underdog particularly by heartfelt sports and music films, of which my favorites are: Lagaan (2001), Chak De India (2007), Pitch Perfect (2012), and Sing Street (2016). Like these films, Eurovision encourages viewers to root for Fire Saga from Húsavík to Edinburgh, the competition venue. They are dedicated, warm, and relatable, traits that make up for their lack of finesse. Many characters underestimate Fire Saga due to their awkwardness and onstage slip-ups, but they’re quite good!
I am no stranger to Will Ferrell’s specific brand of humor, especially in his portrayals of juvenile men. I think his schtick is being over the top and admittedly, I haven’t been able to fully appreciate him. Eurovision is my favorite Will Ferrell film so far because his loudness and comedic timing felt congruent with his character’s passion and wackiness. To me, this made his performance more understated than his past roles, and in the process, more sincere and likable. His boisterous and often-overbearing Lars is balanced exceptionally well by McAdams’ sweet Sigrit.
For me, Sigrit was the star of this film, hands down. As I mainly knew Rachel McAdams for her dramatic roles (barring The Hot Chick and Mean Girls), I didn’t really consider her ability to excel in comedy roles. I am grateful to Eurovision for reminding me of her versatility and encouraging me to watch her less serious flicks. McAdams shines as the quirky and cheery Sigrit, who sings beautifully, teaches children, and prays to elves (Huldufólk) for good fortune. A central part of the film is Sigrit’s unwavering support for Lars, which she voices to him, her mother, Alexander Lemotov (the delightful Dan Stevens), and to herself. One such moment that moved me is when a distressed Lars asks Sigrit why she stands by him, and she responds, “because you are a dreamer. My dreamer.” Lars clearly thinks very highly of Sigrit but also tends to take her for granted, which is frustrating to watch. She is kind and humble and struggles to stand up for herself. It was great to see her fiery spirit gradually overtake her passiveness.
As with any slapstick, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga requires viewers to suspend their disbelief enough to enjoy the story for what it is. This story is a cheesy and affectionate tribute to the unique spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. To quote Lars, “the perfect song isn’t the winning song, but a song that comes from the heart.” The members of Fire Saga certainly don’t lack heart, and if you give them a chance, they’re bound to make their way into yours.
Originally published on our WordPress website on August 25, 2020.
