The Love That Remains () is a 2025 comedy-drama written and directed by Hlynur Pálmason. Starring Saga Garðarsdóttir and Sverrir Guðnason, it follows a year in the life of an Icelandic family as the parents separate.
The film had its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May, where the lead animal actor, Panda, won the Palm Dog Award. It was theatrically released in Iceland on 14 August.
It was selected as the Icelandic entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.
Premise It is described as a family drama exploring a year in the life of a family as the parents separate.
Cast Saga Garðarsdóttir as Anna Sverrir Guðnason as Magnús Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir as Ída Þorgils Hlynsson as Þorgils Grímur Hlynsson as Grímur Kristinn Guðmundsson as Ágúst Halldór Laxness Halldórsson as Daníel Anders Mossling as Martin Ingvar E. Sigurðsson as Pálmi Katla M. Þorgeirsdóttir as Íris
Production It is produced by Anton Máni Svansson of Iceland’s STILL VIVID and Katrin Pors of Denmark’s Snowglobe.
Principal photography took place in Iceland in 2024. Palmason also served as cinematographer, shooting in 35 mm film. It features his regular collaborators such as editor Julius Krebs Damsbo, sound designer Björn Viktorsson and production designer Frosti Friðriksson. The soundtrack features original music by Harry Hunt.
Release The Love That Remains had its North American premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on 4 September 2025. It was also selected for the Main Slate of the 63rd New York Film Festival.
Reception
Accolades Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result Cannes Film Festival 2025 Palm Dog Award Panda Film Fest Gent 2025 Special Mention The Love That Remains
See also List of submissions to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Icelandic submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
References
External links
The Love That Remains at the Icelandic Film Centre