HEARTSTONE

In a small town on the jagged coast of Iceland, two young boys are navigating the icy waters of adolescence. Best friends Thor and Christian, both from deeply dysfunctional homes, are stumbling through these awkward transitions in a place that offers little opportunity but to roam aimlessly and find trouble. Thor is discovering new feelings toward a female friend, as well as a deepening sexual attraction. Christian is discovering identical feelings for Thor—something that is frightening to him in a place where everyone knows each other and talks. Christian’s alcoholic father has just attacked a man on suspicion of being gay, forcing Christian to bury his feelings even deeper. As the long winter approaches and the first snow begins to fall, a shocking event will hurl both boys toward the realities of adulthood and leave one on the brink of survival. Evocative cinematography and a talented young cast help HEARTSTONE capture both the pain and beauty of young sexual exploration with unsparing honesty and compassion. (In Icelandic with subtitles) —C.R.