Touch (2024) Movie Review: A Timeless Romance Across Decades
Touch (2024), directed by the acclaimed Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, is a sweeping romantic drama that tugs at the heartstrings with its delicate portrayal of love, loss, and reconciliation. Set against the backdrop of both 1960s London and the pandemic-stricken world of 2020, the film captures one man’s emotional journey to reconnect with his first love after fifty long years.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Kristofer (played by Egill Ólafsson as the older version and Palmi Kormákur as the younger), an Icelandic widower in his late years. A visit to the doctor reveals that Kristofer is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, spurring him to seek closure for unresolved matters from his past. Haunted by memories of Miko (Kôki), a Japanese woman he fell in love with while working as a dishwasher at her father’s restaurant in 1960s London, Kristofer embarks on a quest to find out what happened to her. Miko mysteriously vanished without a trace fifty years ago, and the world is now in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, further complicating his journey.
Interspersed between the present and flashbacks to their youth, the film unfolds a story of love cut short by cultural and familial obligations, and the deep emotional scars left behind. As Kristofer retraces his steps from Iceland to London and Japan, Touch skillfully juxtaposes the vibrant warmth of youthful romance with the cold reality of growing old alone.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Touch explores themes of memory, aging, and the inevitable march of time. Kristofer’s journey is not just a quest to find Miko, but a journey of self-discovery, as he confronts the fragility of life and the painful loss of his once-vivid memories. The film touches upon universal emotions—love, regret, and the yearning to correct past mistakes.
At its heart, Touch is about the human condition and our desire for connection. Miko and Kristofer’s relationship is the core of the story, filled with tender moments, unspoken longings, and the bittersweet recognition that time changes everything. The audience is constantly reminded that while love may transcend time and distance, it cannot undo the scars that life inevitably leaves behind.
Cinematography and Visuals
Kormákur’s direction brings this sweeping tale to life with exquisite cinematography by Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson. The film’s visual palette contrasts the sepia tones of 1960s London, filled with soft, warm colors, against the cooler, harsher blues of present-day Iceland and pandemic-era London. The transition between these two timelines is seamless, emphasizing the emotional weight of Kristofer’s memories.
In the scenes set in Japan, particularly the moments when Kristofer revisits places from his past, the cinematography captures a sense of nostalgia and longing that mirrors the characters’ inner turmoil. Kormákur’s use of natural light, especially in moments where the camera captures fleeting sunbeams and lens flares, adds a dreamlike quality to the film, underscoring its themes of memory and time.
The Performances
The cast delivers outstanding performances, particularly Egill Ólafsson, who portrays Kristofer’s frailty and resilience with understated grace. His portrayal of an elderly man battling the onset of Alzheimer’s, all while confronting the ghosts of his past, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The younger Kristofer, played by Palmi Kormákur, brings a youthful energy and idealism to the role, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 1960s.
Kôki as Miko shines as well, embodying the quiet strength and emotional complexity of a woman torn between love and duty. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making the love story all the more poignant. Their relationship, though fleeting in the grand scheme of the film, leaves an indelible mark on both their lives and the audience’s hearts.
A Love Story for the Ages
Director Baltasar Kormákur, best known for his work in action films and survival dramas, has created a deeply personal and emotionally resonant film with Touch. While the story is vast in its scope—spanning continents, decades, and cultures—its intimacy lies in the small moments, the delicate gestures, and the unsaid words between the characters.
The film’s pacing may feel slow to some viewers, especially those expecting a more traditional narrative arc. But Touch is not about grand revelations or dramatic plot twists; it is about the quiet, reflective moments that make life meaningful. It’s a film that rewards patience, offering a rich emotional experience for those willing to sit with its melancholy beauty.
Where to Watch “Touch” (2024) Online
For viewers in the United States, Touch is available for streaming on various platforms:
- Focus Features – You can watch Touch directly on Focus Features’ official website.
- Apple TV – Available for purchase or rental.
- Amazon Prime Video – The film can be rented or purchased here.
- Vudu – Another option for rental or purchase.
- YouTube – You can also rent or buy the film on YouTube.
- Spectrum On Demand – For Spectrum cable subscribers, the film is available on-demand.
With these options, viewers have a wide range of platforms to choose from to enjoy this beautifully crafted love story.
