In “Touch,” Kristofer’s main mission is to solve the enigma of his lost love, Miko (Kôki), who vanished five decades ago while he was in London portrayed by Pálmi Kormákur’s son.
Their fateful meeting at Nippon, the Japanese restaurant owned by Miko’s father Takahashi-san (Masahiro Motoki), sparked a secret romance that left a lasting impact on Kristofer’s life, leading to turmoil in his later marriage. As he embarks on his quest for closure, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to derail his journey, forcing him on a race against time across Iceland, England, and Japan.
Baltasar Kormákur, known for his action-packed films like “2 Guns” and “Everest,” delivers a poignant and introspective narrative in “Touch.” Despite his background in high-octane productions, Kormákur adeptly navigates the nuances of complex human relationships with sincerity and intelligence.
In “Touch,” he skillfully captures the emotional depths of characters facing internal conflicts and forging meaningful connections, whether it’s contemplating life’s choices in a bar or confronting past traumas like the survivors of Hiroshima.
With co-writer Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, Kormákur ensures every moment in the film is purposeful and engaging, maintaining a seamless flow between timelines to build tension towards a compelling climax. While the nonlinear storytelling serves the narrative well, the film never loses its coherence, delivering a poignant and cathartic resolution.
The exploration of Kristofer and Takahashi-san’s evolving friendship, alongside the richly developed supporting characters like Hitomi and Arai-san, adds depth and dimension to the narrative.
Watch TOUCH (2024) Trailer
Baltasar Kormakur directs a heartfelt tale of an elderly man grappling with memory loss as he embarks on a cross-continental search for his lost love during the pandemic, creating a touching and hopeful story brimming with humanity.
The theme of lost love resonates profoundly in pop culture, and Kormákur’s adaptation of Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s novel, “Touch,” beautifully explores this timeless concept. Through the poignant journey of Kristofer in search of his true love, the film encapsulates a sense of longing and uncertainty amidst a backdrop of emotional depth. The restrained yet emotionally resonant finale leaves a lasting impact, showcasing the director’s skill in crafting a tender and affecting romance.
Living a solitary life in Iceland after the passing of his wife, Kristofer’s world is upended by a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, propelling him on a poignant quest to reconnect with his past. Kormákur’s visual artistry, coupled with Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson’s cinematography, creates a stunning backdrop for Kristofer’s journey, evoking a mix of warmth and melancholy.
The score by Högni Egilsson underscores the emotional core of the film, enhancing the performances of the cast led by Egill Ólafsson and Kormákur, who deliver powerful portrayals of characters navigating loss and rediscovery.
Watch Touch (2024) movie Clip ‘First Meetings
In its quiet yet impactful storytelling, “Touch” echoes the poignancy of classic romantic dramas while carving its own path of resilience and love triumphing over adversity. Through Kristofer and Miko’s poignant reunion, the film resonates as a testament to the enduring power of hope and courage in the face of life’s challenges.
