Natatorium

In this haunting Icelandic thriller that will chill you to the bone, 18-year-old performance artist Lilja (Ilmur María Arnardóttir in a sensational debut performance) pays a visit to her estranged grandparents. But within the walls of their claustrophobic mansion lies an unfathomable family secret.When 18-year-old Lilja arrives at her estranged grandparents’ house, she is eager to become close with her relatives for the first time and to explore their mysterious mansion. After seeing her grandmother emerge dripping wet from the basement one evening, she assumes there is an indoor pool, although no one will speak of it openly. Neither will they speak openly of Kalli, her bedridden uncle who has been cryptically ill with “weak lungs” for years. When her aunt Vala arrives, and tries to convince Lilja to leave the house with her, the underlying tension in the family comes to a head. Filled with alluring mystery and profound symbolism, NATATORIUM is a beautiful slow burn and cinematic puzzle. —G.S. Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.