The Juniper Tree（Nietzchka Keene, 1990): Iceland

Reviewed by Jordan Barr, Viewed at AFI Film Festival 2018

The Juniper Tree, directed by Nietzchka Keene, is an adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairytale  originally released in 1990. Unlike many modern day adaptations, this film is true to the original Brothers Grimm style – depressing and dark.  This film is experimental and definitely not designed for the masses, but it deserves to be seen. The Juniper Tree was filmed with a 35mm camera in Iceland, which is known for it’s beautiful landscapes. I find it interesting that cinematographer Randy Sellars chose to make this film grainy and black & white. I wished that I got to see Iceland’s colorful beauty, but the film style perfectly compliments the eerie story. 

The Juniper Tree follows the story of sisters Katla and Margit, who’s mother was killed after being outed as a witch. They’re left wandering a dangerous world dominated by men. Katla uses witchcraft to find a new husband and a safe new home for her and her sister.  This film has strong feminist undertones and we see Katla struggle with the dynamic of her marriage. She is expected to be obedient and submissive and tolerate abuse from her husband. Women are often seen as harmless nurturers, but she unapologetically & violently defies every expectation of women in this time period. This film has received notoriety from Björk fans since she plays Margit, but Bryndis Petra Bragadóttir’s performance as Katla deserves more attention. Both actresses are incredible and their chemistry is genuine. 

I didn’t enjoy this film while I was watching it because of its painfully slow pace and minimalist cinematography. The Juniper Tree is bleak, depressing and quiet – yet once I left the theatre I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The use of symbolism and visual storytelling is incredibly powerful. It is able to perfectly convey the nature of the fairytale without using much dialogue.  It’s almost like experiencing a nightmare & viewers are left feeling dazed but profoundly impacted. 

To truly appreciate this film, you have to view it as a work of art, like poetry. Don’t expect a traditional narrative or “fairy-tale ending” but If you’re looking for an experience The Juniper Tree will both challenge and mesmerize you.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138545/mediaviewer/rm3662257920