Understated and engaging coming-of-age about an elderly, introverted farmer who is forced to leave his farm in the Icelandic countryside, but blossoms through an unexpected friendship.

Without looking back, he turns his back on his former life and moves to a small flat in Reykjavik. He does not feel at home in the city, but when he meets his equally lonely, 10-year-old neighbour Ari, it is the beginning of a special, life-changing friendship. Solitude is an engaging drama about loneliness, compassion and the power of unexpected friendships.

Understatedly, director Ninna Pálmadóttir sketches a coming-of-age story that transcends age barriers and shows how important human connection can be. Her humane outlook carries through when she contrasts the beautiful Icelandic landscape with pressing themes of urbanisation and migration. Solitude premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where this feature debut was warmly received.