Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Director: David Dobkin
Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Pierce Brosnan
Primary genre: Musical
Secondary genre: Romance
Third genre: Comedy
Nominated for: Best original song
Who could have thought a comedy (co-)written by Will Ferrell about the Eurovision song contest could have been so utterly enjoyable and sweet? “Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga” is at its core a traditional romantic comedy without the unnecessary dramas surrounding other similar US based vehicles. A love letter to all those Europeans who adore the infamous multi-country event, “The Story of Fire Saga” focuses on an aspiring musical duo and their attempts to represent proudly Iceland. However, trouble looms ahead in the form of fellow musicians, technical shenanigans and pure (and unfair) misfortune.
It is quite refreshing to watch a romantic comedy that does not rely on neurotic antics and foul language. Instead the script leans heavily on slapstick shenanigans and one liners amidst a chaos of (on purpose) kitsch imagery (as Eurovision is all about), gorgeous Icelandic locations and spectacular costume design. Shot in Israel’s Eurovision stage (posing for Edinburgh!) with a few thousands as audience members, “Fire Saga” can be long when it indulges itself in its third (and unnecessary) act, yet its honest intentions make it worth while. The story ticks all the expected boxes failing to break new ground although some nifty characterization and the absence of melodrama gives the proceedings a well-intended sincerity.
“The elves went too far!”
The typical trope in movies of this content would have had the duo behaving as incompetent buffoons who would eventually win every heart in close proximity due to their never-ending persistence and warmth. Contrary to popular belief though, Sigrit and Lars are far from delusional and obnoxious> Not only they are talented (i.e., they write lyrics, compose music, play several instruments, sing and craft their own costumes), they are also easily two of the sweetest cinematic individuals you will encounter post-2020s. Ferrell excels as Lars, a middle age musician who keeps pursuing his dream and while he has the disapproval from the people around him, he earns the audience’s admiration due to his hard work, and passion. Ferrell sports fittingly a long hairdo and stylish clothes creating in the process an iconic (for his filmography) character surprising even the most notorious of critics in the numerous singing sequences with decent vocals.
Sigrit, the other half of Fire Saga, steals the show as a human incarnation of child-like naivety and a larger than life heart in a role missing the sarcastic sassiness and over-sexualization of empowerment. McAdams is sensational giving it all in some of the movie’s funniest moments and in her bona fide chemistry with Ferrell; you really believe these two have spent all their years together whether these are day-to-day greetings (e.g., “I see you!”, “Hey, I am checking you out”) or heartfelt comments (e.g., “He is very good. But no one has a more perfect voice than you Sigrit”). Such moments will genuinely bring a smile on your face in an era where being earnest, genuine, vulnerable and undemanding are taken down by the grandiose scheme of social media, narcissism and victim mentality.
The supporting cast is on fire too capturing exactly the essence and the tone of Eurovision. Dan Stevens nails it as the dubious but highly entertaining Alexander Lemtov, the favorite to win Russian giving a career high performance under an authentic accent, quirky physical mannerisms and a mountain of delicious lines (e.g., “Nobody likes UK so zero points“) while Melissanthi Mahut (“Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” (2018)) as the Greek entry Mita Xenakis also makes a strong impression. In a small but crucial role, James Bond himself Pierce Brosnan pulls off nicely the Icelandic fisherman charm at 66 clearly having the time of his life in similar productions (e.g., “Mamma Mia!“ (2008)).
The biggest surprise though in this comedy is how slick it looks and sounds. The film does justice to the mega budgeted competition and being Ferrell’s dream project it shows: from an army of Eurovision past winners and participants parading in front of the big screen and well placed easter eggs to the direction of the expertly executed musical numbers and ultra catchy tunes. This expensive homage culminates in the excellent sing-along dance number which could be considered the main highlight, its thunderous and infectious energy will have you jump up and down in joy. My my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrounder!
Will Ferrell’s passion shines throughout and it is to his credit to be able to make this flick enjoyable and simultaneously approachable to those who are uninitiated to this contest. It won’t win any awards for originality but it will take a special place in your heart with its beautiful and poignant romance and array of likeable characters. There might be some afterthoughts in its third act and a pointless supernatural plot (yes, really) but it does not detract from truly enjoying its excellent soundtrack and delightful performances. Continue the story of Fire Saga Will!
Sweet, wonderful and feel good comedy
+Ferrell’s and McAdams’ chemistry
+Sweet romance
+Excellent supporting cast
+…particularly Dan Stevens
+Feel good proceedings
+Awesome soundtrack
+Slick production
-Unnecessarily long third act
-More of the supporting cast please