Jar City

Tuesday, June 21 - Wednesday, June 22, 2016

High-definition digital projection

“Two seemingly very different deaths form the central puzzle in this engrossing, atmospheric Icelandic thriller. As the story cuts between a grieving genetic scientist, whose small daughter has succumbed to a rare neurological condition, and the brutal, unmourned slaying of a lonely old perv, we know there’s some connection, and thankfully dogged Reykjavik detective Erlendur (played by steely Ingvar E. Sigurdsson) is on hand to work it out for us.

At first glance, this seems like the sort of material done to death on TV, as a gruff middle-aged cop uncovers long-buried secrets, squares up to sundry unsavoury characters and copes with a far-from-easy home life. But Baltasar Kormákur’s adaptation of a novel by crime writer Arnaldur Indridason feels genuinely fresh in these unfamiliar surroundings, sweeping helicopter shots making the most of the imposing volcanic landscapes as resounding choral music cranks up on the soundtrack. Bracingly Nordic indeed, and the story’s investigative intrigue is bolstered with some thought-provoking musings on the generational legacy of an isolated island nation (prompted by the results of recent real-life state-sponsored DNA survey). A satisfying, altogether distinctive piece of filmmaking.” –Time Out (London)

Part of the series Cold Cases: The Department Q Trilogy & the New Nordic Noir

• Country Iceland/Germany/Denmark
• Language In Icelandic with English subtitles
• Year 2006
• Running Time 94 minutes
• Director Baltasar Kormákur

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.