Grimur Hakonarson’s austere film, Rams, which opens in Canada on February 12, unfolds under a leaden sky in a treeless valley. The bleak Icelandic landscape lends itself to the theme: the discord that keeps two feuding brothers, Gummi (Sigurdur Sigurjonsson) and Kiddi (Theodor Julisson), at loggerheads.
Although they live in close proximity to each other, they have not spoken in 40 years. But when a deadly virus strikes their respective sheep herds, they are forced to resume contact.
Both gruff and unmarried, the brothers love their sheep, treating them like children. When Gummi discovers that one of Kiddi’s prize specimens is afflicted with Scrapie, an incurable disease which attacks the brain and then the body, he spreads the news. Claiming that Gummi is a liar, Kiddi breaks one of his windows. In phlegmatic Nordic style, Gummi responds by sending him the repair bill.
It turns out that Gummi is right. The vet confirms his diagnosis, obliging the valley’s sheep farmers to slaughter their herds. This sets off an unforseen chain of events.
It’s a tragic situation. The farmers are not only emotionally attached to their sheep, but depend on them for a livelihood. The government will provide a compensation package, but will these payments cover their losses? In desperation, some farmers are ready to leave the land and start afresh somewhere else.
Certainly, neither Gummi nor Kiddi can accept their fate. Gummi, in particular, tries to circumvent the order to cull the herds. As emotions flare, Kiddi blames Gummi for the disaster, deepening their mutual animosity.
The film, which is alternatively tranquil and violent, paints a vivid and sympathetic picture of an isolated pastoral community trying to come to terms with an unprecedented calamity. Thanks to Hakonarson’s deft touches and wonderful performances by the lead actors, we empathize with the farmers and feel their losses keenly.
In short, a viewer can identify with Rams, which is no small achievement.