Vivid Society NY

TOUCH is a 2024 film (photo via Focus Films) directed by Baltasar Kormakur based on the novel by Olafur Johan Olafsson. The movie stars, Egill Olafsson (older Kristofer), Palmi Kormakur (younger Kristofer) and Koki as Miko.

At the beginning of the 2020 Pandemic, a widower named Kristofer sets out to find his first love, who disappeared 50 years ago. He packs his things in present day Iceland and travels to London, where he once attended school and worked in a Japanese restaurant where he met the owner’s daughter, Miko.In flashbacks, we see Kristofer’s relationships with Miko and his friends during his time at the London School of Economics, as well as a recent doctor’s visit where he is advised to resolve any unresolved issues in his life.

2020 Kristofer arrives in London and gets a tattoo of “courage.” His step daughter questions his sanity.

1969, Kristofer and Miko fall in love and keep their a relationship a secret from her father and the other restaurant employees.

2020, Kristofer stays in a hotel and visits an old coworker in a nursing home. She doesn’t hear much from Miko. He finds her whereabouts and checks out of the hotel.

Back to 1969, Kristofer returns from a holiday break to find the restaurant shut down and his final pay in an envelope. He learns Miko and her family have fled. In a flashback, Takahashi-san takes Miko to be sterilized but discovers she is pregnant. They shut down the restaurant and leave town. Nine months later, Miko gives birth but is forced to give up the baby.

In 2020, Kristofer brings flowers to Miko’s building and waits for her. They embrace after not seeing each other for over fifty years. Miko reveals she never married or had more children, but their son Akira is now a successful chef with two daughters. They go to his restaurant where Miko doesn’t reveal herself as his mother. Kristofer decides not to tell Akira the truth, content with their stolen future resulting in one good thing. The film ends with them walking hand in hand, ready to spend their remaining time together.

Just My Opinion:

This film tells a love story that is both down-to-earth and beautifully articulated. The slow pace of the movie reflects the grounded nature of the story. The acting and direction infuse a tender touch to this otherwise simple tale. The bittersweet ending evokes both sorrow and warmth in the hearts of romantics.

Score: Thumbs up.