Synopsis

Alchemy begins with echoes of a drowned subterranean world. We observe three protagonists emerge from the depths of a black lake, into an entirely devastated landscape of charred trees. They negotiate their way through this hostile burnt world with the constant feeling of threat and unease. Within this, there are moments of respite and tenderness, a retreat from the chaos, as they embrace in dream-like vignettes, intimate poses that bring to mind both portraiture and classical historic statues. The performers go through a ritualistic transformation within the landscape, building to a climax, a metamorphosis, emerging energised with new life. The narrative navigates through various emotional and psychological states from claustrophobia, fear, solitude and grief, as the performers engage in a primitive, ritualistic re-emergence towards recognising balance, regrowth and rejuvenation. In the latter part of the film, there is a sense of discovery, of possibility, and rebirth as we see new life emerge from the black parched landscape to a place of hope, a new horizon. It is a complete antithesis of the chaos, horror and struggle at the beginning of the film. This is reinforced by the visuals shot by the artist and Oscar nominated cinematographer Robbie Ryan, which go from stark black and white to an emergence of colour and ending in full bloom. Likewise, the original score by Gyða Valtýsdóttir and soundscape by Daniel Goddard, take us through this evolution from the extremes of fear to joy.