Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) review - Movie Thoughts (Chapter 3) 🎆

Hello everyone,

Today's review is more of a structured love fest, because it was honestly one of the most exciting and enjoyable film experiences I've ever had! The only thing that would have made it better was a cinema recliner, some buttery popcorn and a choc top 😋

Grab your glitter, wind machines and microphones, it's time to jump into the world of Eurovision....

(**disclaimer: the following thoughts are 100% my opinion, you do not have to agree with them - film is inherently subjective and everyone's perspective is valid! Also, there are probably spoilers in the following, read at your own risk. Now onto some thoughts....**)

Source: IMDB

Whimsical, musical fun with a ton of lovable soul, Will Ferrell’s latest brainchild combines the bright lights of a beloved singing competition with a somewhat clique yet hope-filled underdog story of a dream-filled duo from a fishing village in Iceland.

ABBA’s iconic performance of ‘Waterloo’ at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 ignites Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdottir’s (Rachel McAdams) dreams of winning the contest. In amongst performing for their fellow townsfolk in scenic Husavik, Iceland, a dark and convenient mishap finally allows them their chance to compete against the rest of Europe (and Australia!) for Eurovision glory. Their journey is charming, fun and energetic nonsense; with elements of a loveably clique plot like Lars and Sigrit being at odds with their party pooper parents who aren’t supportive of their musical dreams at all and a lavish A-list party in a castle filled with sequins and rival hijinks maintaining that balance between outlandish and heartwarming.

Director David Dobkin has cultivated a film that is thankfully not a piss take or crass satire of the Eurovision world. His piece takes on an additional layer of warmth by genuinely respecting the cult status of the phenomenon and including enough Eurovision easter eggs to draw in even the craziest superfans! Through debating the politics and economics of hosting Eurovision, the addition of a creative genius who ‘Eurovisions’ up performance with pyro, wires and oddly expressive choreography, and including god-tier superfan jokes like “everyone hates the UK, so  0 points”, the contest isn’t used as a punching bag but a legitimate institution with its own logistics and folklore. The semi-finals and final sequences even included Eurovision commentary legend Graham Norton and his witty takes, and it truly felt like the audience was in the arena having a rocking good time with all the contestants and the cheesy hosts. The film has a vibrant and picturesque visual aesthetic, from the arenas to the beautiful landscapes of Iceland, and it complements the plot and dialogue brilliantly.

The standout of any musical film should be the music, and The Story of Fire Saga does not disappoint. Melodic happiness has been cultivated by Atli Orvarsson and executive music producer Savan Kotecha. His extensive Top 40 Pop success made him the perfect choice to create that upbeat and fun Eurovision sound with contemporary appeal. The soundtrack is 12 song brilliance, with ‘Volcano Man’, ‘In The Mirror’ (sung by Demi Lovato), ‘Double Trouble’, ‘My Hometown’ and the Song-A-Long medley catchy banger material. A la The Greatest Showman with operatic ballad ‘Never Enough’, McAdams had a singing double for most of her vocal work, and the heavenly vocals of Swedish popstar Molly Sanden (aka My Marianne) are such a great addition to the eclectic pop sound.

Elsewhere, Will Ferrell and Andrew Steele’s script is clever with plenty of hilarious references, including a conversation about romance ruining band dynamics and Lars yelling at American backpackers on two separate occasions. Despite some poor writing concerning grumpy father Erick (Pierce Brosnan), the intense moments hit with depth and the comedic moments were offbeat and chaotic with a charm that was surprisingly funnier than expected. This is also impressive given the successful integration of an extensive cast, with lots of characters and cameo’s from Eurovision alumni to catch your eye. Dan Stevens was a particular  revelation as the cocky and flamboyant Russian rival Alexander Lemtov, and his commitment to the performance of the odd big-cat innuendo-filled song ‘Lion of Love’ was hilarious to watch.

The obvious emotional centrepiece of the film was the complex relationship between Fire Saga themselves. A dynamic duo onstage and almost-couple offstage, Ericksdottir is a schoolteacher who wants to start a family, and Erickssong is a semi middle-aged man still living in his childhood home who can’t seem to look past his dream of Eurovision victory. Ferrell gives an average performance as Lars, and his character (and underwhelming vocals) are the only mildly off-putting thing about the film. He’s stubborn and largely unlikeable, and the argument following Fire Saga’s scarf-strophe semi-final performance reinforcing exactly how selfish Lars’ narrow-minded aspirations are, all the while showcasing Sigrit’s resilience and queen status. Conversely, McAdams gave a brilliant, standout performance as Ericksdottir and carried the emotional integrity of the film. She’s such an earnest and hopeful character throughout with fabulous humility and a gorgeous wardrobe – thank-you Anna B. Sheppard!

As a damn good time and an authentic ode to the ridiculous cheesiness of the Eurovision Song Contest, this film strikes the perfect balance between musical spectacle, heartwarming transformation and hilarious banter. It would have been so easy to take pot shots, but instead this love letter to why Eurovision is so wonderful definitely earns 12 points in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

9/10, 4.5 STARS

Thanks so much for reading,

Love and extravagant stage performances, Emily 🎆