The Lovers of the Arctic Circle

Though not as well-known outside Spain as Pedro Almodóvar, the work of Basque director Julio Medem is just as iconoclastic, compelling and unique. Medem gained a slew of fans with Vacas, Tierra and The Red Squirrel, but this metaphysical romance is his most inventive and accessible work to date. From the age of eight, Otto (Fele Martínez) and Ana (Najwa Nimri) know they are destined to be together. However, fate keeps intervening well into adulthood, forcing their on again/off again relationship to weather their being apart for long stretches. Will they ever be reunited? The answer to that question lies in a shattering climax that underlines the capriciousness of kismet and how we are all powerless in directing our lives. Employing an unusual narrative technique that blurs both lovers' perspectives together, and a dazzling style that confuses time periods and repeats certain key scenes, this dreamy rumination on unrequited love, chance and coincidence is a wonderfully rich and potent fable for our times.