XL

In the Icelandic film XL, directed by Örn Marvin Eiríksson, we are introduced to Leifur, a charismatic but troubled parliamentarian who has built a reputation as a cunning politician and a ladies' man. His life is a testament to his hedonistic ways, marked by excessive drinking and womanizing. However, his hard-partying lifestyle is about to take a drastic turn. A well-publicized incident at an art exhibition, where Leifur gets into a brawl, finally catches the attention of his political rival. Determined to bring him down, the rival convinces the other party officials to demand that Leifur undergo a 24-day rehab program to get his life back on track. Refusing to accept this challenge, Leifur, full of denial, decides to throw a massive party at his mansion to bid farewell to his partying days. He invites all of his acquaintances, many of whom are eager to see their idol one last time, and they all gather at the mansion, ready to let loose and live it up. However, as the night wears on, Leifur realizes that he can't bring himself to leave for rehab, and most of his guests seem to be in the same mindset. It becomes clear that many of them are not ready to abandon their own vices and excesses, and so they all decide to stay and continue partying. As the night turns into a series of chaotic and wild events, XL shows us the raw, unfiltered side of a group of friends and acquaintances, all of whom are in desperate need of a reality check. Leifur's mansion becomes a free-for-all, where guests stumble from bar to bedroom, and the boundaries between public and private spaces are constantly blurred. Through this film, XL pokes fun at the excesses and entitlement that often come with high-profile lifestyles. Leifur and his friends seem to believe that they are above the law, and that they can continue to live life on the edge without facing any consequences. The camera work and cinematography in XL are raw and intimate, capturing the raw energy and chaos of the night's events. The film is shot on location, with a handheld camera that gets up close and personal with its subjects. This approach gives the film a visceral feel, drawing the viewer into the heart of the party. One of the standout aspects of XL is its ability to balance humor and pathos. Despite the outrageous antics on display, the film ultimately has a serious message, one that is delivered with a level of subtlety and nuance. The film's writers use the absurdities of Leifur's world to make pointed commentary on the destructive nature of unchecked privilege and entitlement. As the night wears on, we see the cracks begin to show in Leifur's façade. The mask of confidence and bravado starts to slip, revealing a vulnerable and scared individual, desperate to cling to the only life he's ever known. The real tragedy of Leifur's situation is that he's only now starting to realize the extent of the damage he's done, and the consequences that he may face as a result. Ultimately, XL is a thought-provoking and unflinching look at a world that's often hidden in plain sight. By shedding light on the excesses and indulgences of those who hold power, the film serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that there are consequences to our actions, and that nothing lasts forever. The film concludes with a haunting image of Leifur, sitting alone in his mansion, surrounded by the shattered remnants of his party and the memories of a lifetime of mistakes. It's a powerful reminder that even the most seemingly invincible among us are vulnerable and can fall. As the credits roll, XL leaves us with a lasting impression, one that challenges us to think about the true cost of our own excesses, and the importance of change before it's too late.